Somerville Recognizes Polyamorous Relationships In New Ordinance

SOMERVILLE, MA — Polyamorous relationships are now recognized by law in Somerville. The city recently passed a domestic partnership ordinance that includes such relationships, which is believed to be the first ordinance of its kind in the country.

Somerville previously did not define domestic partnerships, but many unmarried residents voiced concerns over being able to visit their partners in the hospital during the coronavirus pandemic, Councilor Lance Davis, who introduced the ordinance, told the Boston Globe.

Councilor J.T. Scott amended the proposal to include polyamorous relationships ahead of the City Council meeting last Thursday. It was adopted following a unanimous City Council vote and signed into law by Mayor Joseph Curtatone on Monday.

Davis told the Globe he doesn't feel "it's the place of government to define a family."