It's a new day in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The relatively liberal local government will begin domestic partner registry, a largely symbolic practice through which the government and local businesses recognize both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Not surprisingly, there's been a bit of a protest.
One of the most vocal opponents, Reverend Philip Wilson, claims the move will turn the 2,350-strong town into a "homosexual mecca". In an effort to stop the registry, Wilson handed over a petition signed by at least 160 people. City officials, however, tossed it aside. A man of conviction, Wilson tried again. And, again, officials dismissed his discriminatory move.
Meanwhile, known homosexual Alvin Byrd and his lover Charlie Thomas welcomed the move. The boys, who have been together for nine years, plan on heading down to city hall this morning, plopping down the $35 fee and skipping into the future. Byrd remarked, "To me, it's just a wonderful day that we have our city government that's here recognizing us."
While Arkansas doesn't recognize same-sex marriages, the domestic registry recognizes and validates same-sex couples. It also offers them limited rights, particularly with regard to companies that recognize domestic partnerships.
Who knew Arkansas could be so cool?
"Who knew Arkansas could be so cool?"
Who knew a rural town with a population of 2,350 could be more open, liberated and compassionate than many large metropolitan cities. The leadership of that small town has more guts than many state leaders ever could.
[...] gay Arkansans get a domestic partner registry in a tiny little liberal [...]
The postal abbreviation for Arkansas is AR, not AK which is Alaska.
Eureka Springs is a great place, if not a little odd. Where else can you have a domestic registry alongside the Anita Bryant theater, Christ of the Ozarks statue and the Great Passion Play? It is already the state's only gay mecca, known for its live and let live attitude.
The reasons that both of the reverend's petitions god tossed should be pointed out — it wasn't just a simple "That's discriminatory!" Neither petition met state law requirements about stuff like how petitions are to be worded, attaching a copy of the ordinance, etc. On his website, the reverend himself stated that the city clerk had done her job properly and that he'd failed to follow the legal requirements for such a petition.
I grew up in Arkansas and have been to Eureka Springs many times. It's a lovely, weird, fun little town — queer folks should definitely consider it for a vacation destination!
"Who knew Arkansas could be so cool?"
A lot of people do. It's a beautiful place. There are a lot of gay owned and gay friendly bed and breakfast inns there. It's a wonderful place to relax and visit. I recommend it to anyone who wants to have fun. Pond Mountain is one of the bed and breakfast inns. The owner Judy is a awesome person.
Due to my father's job I was born in Arkansas but we moved shortly after (thank god) But anyway we still would visit on vacation and to see old friends. I always enjoyed Eureka Springs, it is very unique and quarky town.