Domestic Partners For Orlando

Last night the city council of my hometown of Orlando voted unanimously to approve a domestic partners registry.

"This is an historic event for Orlando, and it is a monumentally important event for our community. It will be the first time in our lives that our families are recognized by our government," said attorney Mary Meeks, who helped push for the registry. "At least here in Orlando, our relationships are recognized as real, and they are valued and they are accepted." Once the registry opens on Jan. 12, unmarried couples — whether gay or straight — will be able to record their relationship in a government database for a $30 fee.

While the rights afforded by a domestic partners registry may be relatively few compared to full marriage, this is a wonderful move forward for Orlando. I'm quite proud.

RELATED: Fort Lauderdale added domestic partners in September.