Gulfport Leaders Take Action, Urge Neighbors to Create Domestic Partnership Registries

The Gulfport City Council made history when leaders were the first to pass a Domestic Partnership Registry in Pinellas County on May 15. Dozens of residents expressed their support during the discussions and final passage of the ordinance, but one main point continued surface. Supporters wanted momentum to build and eventually see neighboring communities pass similar registries. City leaders vowed they would spread education and support for the registry.

Councilor Barbara Banno did just that when she addressed the St. Petersburg City Council on Thursday. St. Pete leaders unanimously approved a domestic partnership registry _open to all couples, not just St. Pete residents.

Banno spoke on behalf of the Gulfport City Council saying that creating the ordinance will help give Gulfport residents more rights regarding medical care, education decisions and funeral arrangements in St. Pete.

"Where the City of Gulfport is a neighboring city, by you adding this section, specifically hospitalization, is critical for residents of the City of Gulfport," _said Banno in regards to St. Pete allowing other city's registries to be recognized within city limits._

Residents Jan & Denise Lowe and Doug Hudson joined Banno during the meeting.

"I promise to take this to the county and continue to fight for gay rights," Banno told Patch.

During the next regular meeting Banno will ask the Gulfport City Council to send a letter to Pinellas County Commissioners asking them to pass a county wide Domestic Partnership Registry.

She isn't the only councilor reaching out. Mayor Mike Yakes spoke with leaders at the Pinellas County Mayor's Council on Wednesday.

“It was very well received, the majority of people in attendance were supportive of the county considering the DPR,” Yakes said.

Yakes will also bring the issue forward at the Suncoast League of Cities meeting in July.

"It's advocacy. We need to bring the issue forward," Yakes said.

Others agree.

Councilor Dan Liedtke has spoken with Pinellas County Commissioner Nancy Bostock about passing a county-wide registry and Councilor Jennifer Salmon has contacted Jacksonville Commissioners as well. Salmon tells Patch that Jacksonville is considering a Human Rights Ordinance. She sent them information and included information about the Domestic Partnership Registry.

Editor's Note: Patch has left a message with Vice Mayor Sam Henderson. We will update the story if we recieve more information.