MidHudson News is reporting the Republican-controlled Dutchess County Legislature on Tue., Oct. 11, voted in favor of a Domestic Partner Registry, brought to their attention by Dutchess County Clerk Brad Kendall. The law was proposed two previous times, but never made it through the legislature. Kendall said, ”Establishing a registry now would allow those whose long-term relationships have been acknowledged in other jurisdictions to be recognized in their new county of residence. It will also allow partners to participate more fully in joint financial and medical decision-making.” He noted that many partnerships registered in New York City have relocated to Dutchess County. The Democratic minority singled out the two Republicans who voted against the law. In a statement, they said, “Invoking religious rhetoric, Republican Legislator Lisa Paoloni...voted no saying the law would 'de-legitimize the sanctity of marriage,' and Republican Legislator Allen Surman ...also voted no, sayng, “If you are in a committed relationship, marriage is definitely the best way to go.” Any Duchess resident, aged 18 or older, who has been living with their partner for at least one year is eligible to apply for the registry. Either or both of the partners can choose to terminate, even if one does not agree to the termination. New York City, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties, as well as some municipalities in Nassau County have established similar domestic registries. Read the full story at MidHudsonNews [dot] com.