At 8 am on Thursday, May 7, 2009, when the doors of City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue, open, any unmarried couples that share a residence will be able to register as domestic partners.  Large numbers are expected to turn out for the historic event and there will be an organized effort to make the registration process simple and expedient for interested couples. 

To celebrate the recognition of the committed relationships of couples registering, there will be a gathering of Ohio’s public and interfaith leaders, families and supporters of the registry from noon to 2 pm on the front steps of City Hall complete with live music.

“This is a chance for all unmarried couples who share a residence to record their partnership and celebrate their commitment,” said Councilman Joe Cimperman, a main sponsor of the legislation to create the domestic partner registry.  “We intend to gather together to show our support for their commitment to one another.”

Couples intending to register should fill out the domestic registry form, available on the City of Cleveland website (link below) or through the Division of Licenses and Assessments (216-664-2260) and have it notarized.  There will be a notary public available at City Hall on May 7th. 

There are also celebrations of this momentous event planned at the close of the day.  At 7 pm, Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 2592 W. 14th Street, will hold a celebratory service and worship.  Directly after the service, Bounce/Union Station, 2814 Detroit Avenue, will host a festive gathering to cap off the day’s events.

Domestic Partnership Registration forms are available here. 

Interested couples can also sign up through the LGTB Community Center of Greater Cleveland by visiting here.