(Eureka Springs, AR) Blockage of the state's first Domestic Partnership Registry--scheduled to take effect June 22--has left advocates more determined than ever to see the measure implemented later this summer.

The ordinance creating the registry was unanimously approved May 14 by the Eureka Springs City Council, after two months of deliberation and citizen input. But anti-gay minister Philip Wilson halted the effective date late last week by submitting to the city clerk 147 signatures from opponents, three more than the minimum required to force a referendum on the issue August 14.

Though disappointed by the delay, proponents are confident a majority of the resort town's voters will ratify the measure. Early broad-based support from hundreds of residents, tourists, church groups and dozens of local businesses, suggest the effort to circumvent the city council's approval will fail at the polls.

Keep reading →