|
 University Of Kentucky OKs Partner Benefits,
Gov. Threatens To Intervene
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: April 25, 2007 - 3:00 pm ET
(Frankfort, Kentucky) The University of Kentucky
will become the second public college in the state to offer health benefits to the
unmarried partners of employees - but the plan may never get off the ground.
UK trustees voted Tuesday to offer the benefits
to same-sex couples and unmarried opposite-sex couples. The scheme is to
take effect July 1.
Last year the University of Louisville decided to
offer the benefits - making it the first publicly funded college in the state to
do so. (story)
The benefits plan at Louisville raised the ire of
state lawmakers and a bill was filed in the last session of the legislature to
prohibit publicly funded institutions from extending domestic partner benefits
to unmarried couples.
It died in committee on a tie vote.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) is considering recalling
the legislature to deal with unfinished bills. Following the UK decision a
spokesperson for Fletcher said the governor is considering asking lawmaker to
take up the proposed ban on partner benefits.
House Minority Whip Stan Lee (R) said he would
support such a move, calling the benefits plan a violation of the state's
constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Both UK and Louisville dispute that.
Attorneys for the schools say the constitutional amendment bars gay marriage but
does not speak of benefits.
The colleges say they need to offer the benefits
to attract the best minds if they want to compete with the more than 300 other
institutions nationwide that already offer domestic partner health benefits.
The threatened legislation also raised the
hackles of LGBT rights group Kentucky Fairness Alliance.
"University of Kentucky and University of
Louisville employees asked for fair healthcare, and their respective boards of
trustees responded," said Christina Gilgor, executive director of the
Kentucky Fairness.
"Seven out of 10 Kentuckians say they
support a fair workplace for their gay neighbors, but our elected officials are
frantic with fear of special interest groups. With more than a half million
Kentuckians lacking health insurance, we should be looking for ways to expand
access, not restrict it," Gilgor said.
©365Gay.com 2007
|
Entertainment
