American Notes SAN FRANCISCO

It may not be possible to be a little bit pregnant, but citizens of San Francisco can now get a little bit married. Last week the city's board of supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a law that officially recognizes the unions of live-in lovers, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Mayor Art Agnos has pledged to sign the bill, which permits couples who have agreed to share basic living expenses to register their "domestic partnerships" at the county clerk's office in a manner similar to filing a marriage license.

Though it has no immediate benefits, supporters see the law as a possible first step toward fuller legal recognition of such relationships. The supervisors also urged the city to consider extending health benefits to the live-in lovers of its employees.