As Facebook rants and excess media commentary over a certain fast food chain's gay marriage controversy ran rampant last week, St. Petersburg simultaneously opened its domestic partnership registry.
Opening on Aug. 1, this was also a very personal milestone for the more than 13 couples who were the first to register. Included in those registered that day were Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, and her partner, Andrea Hildebran-Smith, as well as St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell and his partner, Robert Poth III.
"This is an important day for St. Pete and for couples long denied the legal protections for ourselves and our loved ones," said Smith. "While my wife and I are legally married, those protections are stripped from us when we return to our home state. We will continue to work for full equality under the law.”
