Domestic Partner Registry in Largo: What's Your Take?

As Largo city commissioners , Patch wants to know your take on the issue.

, Clearwater and Gulfport have all adopted such registries, which allow partners to have hospital visitation rights, be notified in emergencies and make some decisions regarding health care, funerals and education.

At a July 10 work session, City Commissioner Michael Smith asked if other commissioners would be interested in the idea of creating such a registry in Largo. Smith said it might benefit seniors who don't marry because of pension and social security issues, and that it could also attract new businesses.

City staff are researching both the domestic partnership registry and the possibility of domestic partnership benefits for city employees and plan to bring it up at a future work session.

What do you think? Should Largo create a domestic partner registry such as those in other nearby towns? Post a comment below and share your thoughts.