Two municipalities in the Verde Valley are considering recognizing same-sex civil unions this week.
If the governing councils approve such measures, Clarkdale and Cottonwood would become the fifth and sixth cities in Arizona to recognize civil unions, a partnership that offers legal rights and benefits to same-sex couples.
Jerome and Sedona have already recognized civil unions earlier this year, joining Tucson and Bisbee, the first two cities to approve such an ordinance.
While a state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008 set marriage in a heterosexual context, the individual town ordinances have been reviewed to keep things in line with the state rules issued out of Phoenix, including that people in a civil union must be at least 18 years old.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, Oct. 9, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
