The registry appears little more than a public relations stunt that would allow East Lansing to showcase its diverse population by creating a separate and not at all equal registry for same-sex couples.

The registry was proposed to recognize and accept same-sex couples, but simply having names listed on paper does not create acceptance. That is up to Michigan voters, who unfortunately chose to ban same-sex marriage in 2004.

Although the intentions behind creating the registry might be good, it ultimately will not do much for the couples who choose to register.

To be included in the registry and thus have their relationship recognized by East Lansing, gay and lesbian couples would pay a $20 fee, similar to the fee paid for marriage licenses obtained at the county level. Although same-sex couples would pay the same fee, they would not receive the same benefits that heterosexual couples are entitled to with a marriage license. Tax benefits, discounted family rates for insurance and joint adoption would still not be available to same-sex couples. The registry would simply be a hollow gesture.

“This conversation illustrates the absurdity between the treatment of opposite-sex couples and the treatment of same-sex couples,” Triplett said in an interview with MLive. “It may be purely symbolic, but this conversation we’re having illustrates why it’s important.”

He’s right — the conversation is important. Any conversation involving equality and civil rights is important. But creating a registry of homosexual couples in East Lansing is not the best way to go about starting a much-needed conversation.

The list is not needed and serves no real purpose. To couples who are not open about their homosexuality, registering might even prove detrimental.

The registry has raised privacy concerns: since heterosexual marriage registrations are public documents and can be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, one could assume that a domestic partnership registry also would be public. City Attorney Tom Yeadon said whether or not the registry would be publicly available is unclear. If it became public, anybody could access the names of the people on the list.

To a homosexual couple worried about hate crimes, putting their names on the list also could mean putting their necks on the line. The goal of this registry is to be inclusive and accepting of same-sex couples, not broadcast their names to the public and put them in potential danger.

The registry was proposed, no doubt, with the best interests of East Lansing’s homosexual community in mind.

But by voting to approve this registry, the city council could do the exact opposite of what Triplett originally intended.

“Inclusive communities are able to retain the best and brightest communities,” Triplett said in a previous interview with The State News. “To compete for equal civil rights isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s important for our community and the whole state of Michigan.”

Although we applaud Triplett’s attempt to include and recognize same-sex couples in the community, much more needs to be done for marriage equality at a state level before we can truly call East Lansing an all-inclusive city for gay couples.