(Kansas City, Missouri) Kansas City could have a domestic partner registry in place in a year's time. The resolution also would see the city offering health benefits the partners of its gay and lesbian workers.

City council voted unanimously to instruct City Manager Wayne Cauthen to implement the program by May 1, 2004. The resolution directs Cauthen to provide, within 45 days, a plan discussing the logistics and costs involved in providing the benefits. It would make Kansas City the most gay friendly city in the Mid West.

The resolution was introduced and passed with little discussion. About 50 members of the gay and lesbian community applauded the vote.

Mayor Kay Barnes said she had been working with members of the gay and lesbian community to explore how the city could best serve gay and lesbian families in Kansas City.

"It's an equity issue," Barnes said. "I'm encouraging the administrative side to move as rapidly as they can."

The civic workers benefits package would also be made available to employees in heterosexual partnerships. The registry would be open to any resident in the city. It would give couples some rights that married couples enjoy, such as the ability to make decisions on a partner's medical treatment in emergencies.

Calvin Williford, vice president of the Kansas City Pride Democratic Club, said the details of the two programs will be worked out with Cauthen.