Suffolk County lawmakers voted Wednesday to establish a domestic partner registry to give same-sex couples easier access to benefits they are entitled to under state law.

Domestic partners are guaranteed hospital and nursing home visitation rights and are granted control over the remains in the event their partner dies. There are also health benefits that many private companies offer their employees? partners. However, many residents say the problem is proving the employee is in a recognized domestic partnership.

Lawmakers say a number of legal documents typically must be produced to prove the partnership, including an affidavit. Under the new legislation, only a registration card would be necessary. The county executive is expected to sign off on the bill next week.