The State - News from July 6, 1989

A landmark law that gives municipal sanction to unmarried but cohabitating couples, homosexual and heterosexual, has taken effect in San Francisco. The law permits unmarried couples to register their partnerships, similar to filing marriage licenses, to be declared “domestic partners.” The legislation also grants hospital visitation rights and bereavement leave for city employees. In addition, a task force is checking into whether the law may entitle the unmarried partners of city employees to full health insurance coverage. San Francisco expects about 900 couples to register annually.