The Eagan City Council passed an ordinance creating a domestic partner registry for couples who cannot or wish not to marry. The ordinance includes same-sex couples. The city becomes the 17th city in Minnesota to pass such an ordinance.

It follows Minneapolis, Duluth, St. Paul, Edina, Golden Valley, Red Wing, Rochester, Maplewood, St. Louis Park, Richfield, Robbinsdale, Falcon Heights, Hopkins, Shoreview, Crystal, and Shorewood.

The registry passed Tuesday night by a vote of 4 to 0 with one city council member absent.

Council member Gary Hansen said it would help businesses that already provide benefits. “The ability to use this registry helps them become more competitive.”

“It does provide a service for some who want it, and we have employers who offer domestic partner benefits. No skin off our back to be able to do it,” said Mayor Mike Maguire.

Unlike in neighboring Inver Grove Heights, which failed to pass such an ordinance in November after anti-LGBT residents spoke out against it, Eagan’s debate was marked by only one dissenter.

“Obviously, it’s a stepping stone to find a way to have same-sex marriage,” said Tim Lewis. “I don’t know why Eagan had to start that.”