(Lavverrue, Flickr)

(Lavverrue, Flickr)

Same-sex couples residing in Duluth will find it easier to prove their domestic partner status as the Duluth City Council voted on Monday evening to approve a domestic partner registry.

The council approved the measure by a vote of 5 to 3, and advocates say the move will make it easier for businesses to recognize domestic partnerships and offer benefits. Minneapolis is the only other municipality in the state to offer such a registry.

Registry applicants need to affirm that they are “jointly responsible to each other for the necessities of life” and “are as committed to one another as married persons are traditionally committed.” The cost of the domestic partner certificate is $25.

Currently all Minnesota communities are prevented by state law from offering domestic partnerships.