California city makes history allowing throuples, foursomes to legally register as partners

Throuples, foursomes and other multi-partner relationships can now register as domestic partners in a Los Angeles County city after its City Council unanimously approved new legal protections for polyamorous couples.West Hollywood passed the ordinance Tuesday after it was introduced by Mayor John Heilman.The measure allows people in relationships involving multiple partners to officially register with the city, granting them certain rights, including hospital visitation and additional tenant protections.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story However, the law has its limitations, as it does not provide the same legal rights afforded to married couples or traditional domestic partners.Still, supporters say the ordinance marks an important step toward addressing challenges faced by adults who maintain romantic or other committed relationships with multiple people.

These barriers, they say, often arise in housing, healthcare, education and other services, where existing policies largely cater to two-person partnerships or traditional family households.Christina Fialho, an attorney and founder of the bisexual media representation advocacy group Rewrite the BiLine, first proposed the idea of polyamory protections to West Hollywood Councilmember Chelsea Lee Byers in early 2025.Fialho told the Los Angeles Times that “this law is just the beginning.”“I think it makes it possible for people to dream about a future they once thought was out of reach,” she said.The ordinance allows three or more individuals to formally register their relationship with the city by submitting paperwork to the city clerk.To qualify, participants must satisfy several conditions, including mutual consent and the absence of blood relations.The measure also extends certain legal protections t...