Eureka Springs passes symbolic same-sex marriage resolution

The Eureka Springs City Council passed a resolution last week in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

The resolution passed 4-0 with Alderman Ken Pownallvoting “present.”

Mayor Morris Pate said the resolution has no legal significance because Arkansas doesn’t recognize same-sex marriages. Passing the resolution was symbolic, he said.

Michael Walsh, who presented signatures from 700supporters of the resolution, told the council the document would be good public relations and good advertising and would create jobs, according to minutes from the meeting.

The resolution may not be legally significant, but itsends an important message, said Lamont Richie, a Carroll County justice of the peace.

“Because of the subject, I think it speaks volumes for the council,” Richie said Tuesday. “In putting it forth, we wanted to add Eureka’s voice to the growing chorusin support of marriage equality, and the City Council responded favorably. I am very proud of them for their public commitment.”

According to the resolution, more than 175 mayors from 32 states have signed a petition in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples.

In 2007, Eureka Springs adopted Arkansas’ first domestic-partnership registry and amended the city’s personnel policy handbook to include sexual orientation inits equal-employment opportunity policy and unlawfulharassment policy.

Eureka Springs City Clerk Ann Armstrong said 618 couples from as far away as Europe have participated in the city’s domestic registry. For a fee of $35, the couples get a certificate and two certified copies, she said.

“People think of it as a gay issue, but there are a lot of people who choose not to be married, who happen to be heterosexuals, who happen to be straight,” said Armstrong. “It’s just for people for whatever reasons choose domestic partnership.”