(AP) – Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten says he’s concerned that a proposed domestic partner registry is the first step toward legalizing gay marriage.

The city council had a first reading Tuesday of the proposal to establish a registry for unmarried couples, both gay and straight. The registry would allow the couples to register their relationships to get easier access to benefits such as health insurance and hospital visitation.

Bunten says he’s concerned that traditional marriage is being devalued in society and he disagrees with that direction.

Advocates for the registry say it is about helping businesses attract employees and equality for all committed relationships.