The Nation - News from Aug. 8, 1989

Workers for the city of New York who are part of an unmarried couple will be recognized as “domestic partners” and entitled to the same bereavement leave now provided to those who are married, Mayor Edward I. Koch declared. Koch issued an executive order recognizing “domestic partners” as two “close and committed” unmarried adults who have lived together at least a year. Homosexual, heterosexual and non-sexual relationships are included. City employees in such relationships must register to be eligible for the bereavement leave, which is provided after the death of a partner’s parent or child or of a relative living in the household. “Over time society changes. So must the government which serves it,” Koch said in a statement.