The precedent-setting equality bill was introduced by Michal Eden, the first out lesbian to serve on the city council. Under the new bylaw, unmarried couples will qualify for the same discounts on city-sponsored activities that married couples enjoy, such as day care, the use of swimming pools, and sports facilities.
The city council decision advocating the change was approved Sunday night.Mayor Ron Huldai expressed support for the idea and ordered municipal services to implement the change, pending investigation of the rule change's effect on the city budget and a determination of what will be the requirements to be officially recognized as an unmarried couple comprising a household.
The move is being actively opposed by religious factions in the municipality, which have vowed to stop the initiative.