Maplewood passes domestic partnership ordinance

The city of Maplewood has passed a domestic partnership ordinance that would allow same-sex couples to register with the city.

City council member James Lanas said the measure makes Maplewood the sixth city to do so in Minnesota. He said he thought it indicated the city's respect for gay and lesbian residents.

Lanas said opponents called it a step toward same-sex marriage. But Lanas said it would not redefine marriage, and would hopefully benefit the rest of the community by welcoming non-traditional couples and families.

"It's impressive that we were able to do something that was quite progressive that's a little older and a little more homogenous," Lanas said.

Other cities that have the registries include Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth and Edina. Four other suburbs are also considering similar measures, although Moorhead rejected a similar ordinance earlier this year.