Mayor Carty Finkbeiner yesterday signed a law making Toledo the largest Ohio city to create a domestic-partner registry that allows same-sex couples a form of official recognition of their relationship.

Mr. Finkbeiner said that while he is a “strong Christian believer” who does not advocate alternative lifestyles, he does believe in minority rights and diversity.

The law, which takes effect in 30 days, was passed 10-2 last week by Toledo City Council. It requires the clerk of council to set up a registry for domestic-partner couples, whether of the same or opposite sexes.

Mr. Finkbeiner said the calls, e-mails, and letters he received were divided evenly between urging him to sign and urging a veto. Brian Schwartz, the mayor’s spokesman, said that as of Tuesday, the mayor received 69 communications against the ordinance and 63 in favor.

“The domestic-partnership registry is not about endorsing alternative lifestyles. It is about legal and insurance protection being extended to those considered the partners of any insurance-covered employee,” Mr. Finkbeiner said in a letter that he said he sent to each of the people who contacted him.

“While I champion the sanctity of the traditional American family of husband, wife, and children, I also have seen the love and trust and nurturing of some nontraditional relationships. There is no lifelong guarantee of happiness in either case,” Mr. Finkbeiner said.

Council’s 10-2 vote was one more than enough needed to override the mayor’s veto, if he had done so, although members could have changed their votes.

Supporters of the ordinance said it would improve Toledo’s economic development prospects by showing that the city is tolerant and inclusive. And it would be helpful to employers that offer benefits to employees’ partners by offering a simple way to verify such relationships.