Following Bisbee lead, Tempe to begin discussion on civil-union laws

By Dianna M. Náñez | The Arizona Republic

Tempe, a historically progressive city, is poised to become embroiled in the debate over equal rights for same-sex couples.

A supporter of same-sex marriage holds a rainbow flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. / Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
A supporter of same-sex marriage holds a rainbow flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, March 26, 2013. / Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Today, the Tempe City Council will discuss civil-union laws in its private executive session. The discussion comes two days after residents of Bisbee watched their council approve a historic vote to legalize civil-union certificates, which provide same-sex partners with some of the same rights as married couples.

Tempe Councilman Kolby Granville called the Bisbee vote momentous. On Wednesday, Granville, a Democrat, told The Arizona Republic that he asked for the council executive session on civil unions. He wants Tempe to be the first Valley city to approve civil-union certificates for its residents.

If approved, the legal rights would apply to an estimated 165,000 Tempe residents compared with 5,600 or so in Bisbee.

Continued: 

Related: How little Bisbee became a gay-rights battleground

Will blocking Bisbee’s Civil Unions turn off Arizona tourists?

Cindy McCain to appear in play that supports same-sex marriage

Reagan’s daughter says he would not have opposed gay marriage

Phoenix mayor backs Bisbee’s civil unions

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