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Updated: 1:04 PM- After coming under attack from conservative lawmakers who worried a domestic partner registry could lead to legalized gay marriages, only 19 couples have signed up for the city's revised ''mutual commitment" registry since it launched April 17.
Several gay, lesbian and bisexual groups now are encouraging more couples to sign up.
The registry is open to two people who are not married but can show they're financially dependent on each other. Through the registry, employers can extend health care and other benefits to their employees' domestic partners including gay couples, siblings, long-term roommates and parents. The registry also secures hospital visitation rights.
Establishing a registry was one of Democratic Mayor Ralph Becker's campaign pledges when he ran for office last year. Although Utah is a conservative state, Salt Lake City is traditionally liberal in its politics.
Resisting attempts by the Republican-controlled Legislature to kill the registry was seen as a significant victory for Salt Lake City.
The Utah Pride Center and Equality Utah sent out an e-mail urging couples participating in Pride Week festivities this week to take advantage of the program and register.
Valerie Larabee, executive director of the Utah Pride Center, says many couples may not have found the time to enroll. She plans to sign up Friday.
''I think they're just like me," Larabee said. ''They're probably busy in their own lives and haven't made time to do it ... Pride Week is a perfect time."
Becker says he thinks the registry has been well-received and expects more people to sign up.
Becker and the Salt Lake City Council will be the grand marshals for the Utah Pride Parade and Festival this weekend.
''We saw (Becker) had really done a lot, taken a stand on this and other human rights initiatives," Larabee said. ''It would have been an oversight not to award him and the City Council that award."