Soon after Orlando became the first Central Florida city to approve a domestic-partnership registry with a unanimous vote by the City Council on Dec. 12, the phone begin to ring for Ridge Holdridge, the city of Orlando Employee responsible for booking the appointments.
“Everyone has been so happy and so excited on the phone” said Holdridge. “Most people have been trying to get in on the first day so they can be part of our history.”
That first day is Jan. 12 and according to Patty Sheehan's assistant Bill Stevens, at press time, most of the first day appointments were filled. Holdridge said a number of heterosexual couples are booked for that Jan. 12 as well.
The first, 8 a.m. appointment is held by Commissioner Patty Sheehan, who plans to register with her partner. Sheehan called the registry an early holiday gift when it was approved. She became visibly emotional as she dedicated the ordinance to her late friend Henry Gibson, a Veteran whose partner John was unable to carry out his final wishes when he passed because there was no provision for domestic partners.
The registry defines domestic partnership, outlines the registration process and provides an overview of protections provided within a domestic partnership that has been recognized by the city of Orlando. Those protections include hospital visitation, rights to health care decisions, correctional facility visitation, rights to funeral/burial decisions, guardianship and the right for both domestic partners to participate in the education of their children.
After it passed the first reading 7-0 at a Council meeting on Dec. 5, there was little doubt that the domestic registry ordinance would pass into law at the second and final meeting one week later. Once again, the room was filled with people wearing red to show their support and anxious to praise the council's action.
“This is an historic event for Orlando, and it is a monumentally important event for our community,” said attorney and activist Mary Meeks. “It will be the first time in our lives that our families are recognized by our government. The council’s unequivocal and unified support sends a message loud and clear that this issue is not up for debate.”
Jonathan Butler Book was the only person present who spoke against the ordinance quoting bible scriptures. Others used their faith to speak in favor the registry, such as Rev. Lisa Heilig of Joy MCC.
“Today I speak in favor of the registry as a parent, pastor, partner and a concerned citizen, but most importantly as a person of faith,” Helig said. “Our faith traditions call us to compassion for fairness to all families.”
Jeffrey Miller read a message of support from Steven Engel, President of the Greater Orlando Board of Rabbis who unanimously voted to recommend to the city to pass the ordinance. Patrick Howell used the story of “The Good Samaritan” as an example of how Jesus directs others to help their neighbor and then thanked the City Council for being a good neighbor. Even Commissioner Robert Stuart of the city council brought his faith into the discussion, saying “Christ calls on us to show mercy; that’s what government is supposed to do.”
The City Council's unanimous vote was met with applause and a standing ovation. After the hearing many, in attendance gathered at Hamburger Mary's where both Commissioner Sheehan and Mayor Dyer stopped by to join in the celebration and toasts.
Hope and Help of Central Florida, Inc. development director Rob Domenico has a first-day appointment to get registered with partner Alan Meeks.
“We have an appointment at 11 a.m. on the first day and while we had hoped to be married by our 10th anniversary, we're very excited to have our relationship legally validated,” Domenico said. His mother, Dee Richter, hopes one day to be present at her son's wedding, but for now she's one step closer thanks to the Domestic Registry.
Other couples gay or straight wishing to make an appointment to register can call the city at 407-246-2893 to make an appointment.
