1997:  Expanded Legislation

On July 7, 1997 Mayor Rudolph Giuliani signed into law legislation broadly extending recognition of domestic partners in New York City.  The measure passed the City Council on June 24 by a vote of 39 to 7 and was the first significant piece of pro-gay legislation to be enacted in New York City in 12 years.

• "Mayor Signs Landmark Domestic Partnership Legislation" -- NY City Mayor's Office Press Release #319-98, July 7, 1998.
  
  
• "New York City Takes Historic Step on Domestic Partnership" -- Empire State Pride Agenda Press Release, July 8, 1998.

1993:  Dinkins Executive Order

On March 1, 1993, two executive orders by then-mayor David Dinkins went into effect creating a New York City registry for unmarried couples (gay, lesbian and heterosexual) and extending certain new rights to city employees and city residents.

• "Orders by Dinkins to Broaden Rights of 'Domestic Partners'" -- New York Times, January 8, 1993.

• "A Legal Threshold Is Crossed by Gay Couples in New York" -- New York Times, March 2, 1993.
  
  

• "Many Families, All Valued" Included detailed information on NYC Domestic Partnership requirements, procedures, and benefits; published in 1993.
  
  

• Sample NYC Domestic Partnership Certificate -- Certificate #168, March 4, 1993.