West Hollywood, California, has unanimously passed a city ordinance that grants protections to individuals in multipartner domestic relationships. The City Council voted 5-0 to approve the measure, which recognizes the right of citizens in polyamorous relationships to have their domestic partnerships formally acknowledged and respected under city law.
The ordinance, which will take effect 30 days after its adoption, allows individuals in relationships involving three or more consenting adults to sign a declaration with the city clerk. This declaration can grant qualifying partners rights such as hospital and jail visitation.
However, the ordinance clarifies that these relationships will not be officially recognized as marriages or registered domestic partnerships in violation of state or federal law. West Hollywood joins a small number of local governments that have enacted measures to offer some form of protection for multipartner relationships.
According to the ordinance text, "Diverse relationship structures, including relationship structures involving more than two adults engaged in a loving, committed, and consensual relationship, are becoming increasingly common."
Brad Wilcox, a professor at the University of Virginia and a senior fellow at the Institute for Family Studies, expressed concern over the ordinance. He stated that legally recognizing polyamorous relationships could normalize households with non-biologically related adults, which research has linked to increased risks for children. Wilcox also suggested it could pave the way for polygamy, which he believes is associated with gender inequality and negative child well-being due to competition for a man's attention and resources. "So, what seems like a progressive move here in West Hollywood can lead to some illiberal destinations that are bad for women and children," he told Fox News Digital.