Couples register as domestic partners

CLEVELAND (AP) — Gay or straight, dozens of couples recorded their commitment to each other at Cleveland City Hall on Thursday, the start of the city’s newly established domestic-partner registry.

They arrived at a steady pace — mostly same-sex partners — signed a notarized Declaration of Domestic Partnership and paid a $55 fee.

“We’re here, we want to get married and love each other,” said Samara Peddle, 29, a photographer who came with partner Sara Schwendeman, 26, a dancer-choreographer. They live about 40 miles south of Cleveland, in Akron.

“First steps are always the beginning of movements,” Peddle said.

Two other Ohio cities, Toledo and Cleveland Heights, have domestic-partner registries, which can provide employers, insurers, hospitals and other establishments official record of the relationship.

In December, the Cleveland council voted to make a registry available for unmarried couples of whatever sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is not allowed in Ohio.

By closing time, Dedrick Stephens, commissioner of the city’s Department of Finance, which handles the registry, said about 75 couples signed up.