West Hollywood Approves Landmark Ordinance to Protect Multi-Partner Domestic Relationships

West Hollywood, California, has unanimously adopted a new city ordinance that extends legal protections to individuals involved in "multipartner domestic relationships." The measure, passed by the City Council on Monday, aims to formally recognize and safeguard these diverse relationship structures under local law.

The ordinance explicitly states, "It is hereby declared as the public policy of the City of West Hollywood that it is necessary to recognize and protect the right and opportunity of all persons to have multi-partner domestic relationships formally recognized and respected, and to be free from discrimination on account of their partnership in a multi-partner domestic relationship." It further acknowledges that "Diverse relationship structures, including relationship structures involving more than two adults engaged in a loving, committed, and consensual relationship, are becoming increasingly common."

New Protections for Diverse Relationships

With a 5-0 vote, the West Hollywood City Council authorized individuals in relationships involving three or more people to file a declaration with the city clerk. This official registration will grant registered partners specific rights, such as access for hospital and jail visitations.

However, the ordinance makes clear that it does not confer the status of "marriage" or a registered domestic partnership in conflict with existing state or federal statutes. Despite this limitation, West Hollywood stands among a select few local jurisdictions nationwide that have implemented some form of legal protection for multipartner relationships.

Concerns Raised Over Broader Implications

While proponents view the ordinance as a progressive step, some commentators have voiced apprehension regarding its potential long-term effects.

The dangers of legally recognizing polyamorous relationships are twofold. First, it normalizes households where children live with adults who are not related to them by birth or adoption, an arrangement the research consistently links to higher risks for kids. Second, it paves the way for polygamy, which the scholarly literature shows fuels gender inequality and hurts child well-being, because wives and children end up competing 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.

This recent legislative action follows a previous anti-discrimination ordinance passed by West Hollywood in March, which also sought to protect polyamorous relationships. The newly adopted ordinance is scheduled to become effective 30 days after its passage.