Domestic partner registrations pass 1,000

The number of couples taking advantage of Nevada's new domestic partnership law has now passed 1,000.

Secretary of State Ross Miller said more than 700 took advantage of pre-registration for the newly created civil contract. The law went into effect Oct. 1.

Miller's office said there has been a steady stream of couples registering their relationship - both heterosexual and same-sex partners.

The new civil contract was created by the 2009 Legislature, overriding the governor's veto of the law in a bi-partisan vote just days before the end of the session. Supporters said the law provides domestic partners with some of the same rights as married couples including access to benefits and participation in decisions such as end-of-life choices.

It was described as an alternative to marriage.

In order to become domestic partners, each couple must declare they aren't married or a member of another domestic partnership, not related in a way that would bar them from marriage and at least age 18.

There is a $50 fee for the registration to support the program, which was not funded by lawmakers. A ceremonial certificate suitable for framing is available for another $15. Registration is available at www.nvsos.gov.