Summit County to give gay couples benefits

Published: Thursday, June 4, 2009 3:29 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

COALVILLE — The Summit County Council has passed an anti-discrimination resolution and has plans to extend health care and other benefits to county employees' domestic partners — including gay couples.

The resolution, passed in a 4-1 vote, was shepherded through by Councilwoman Sally Elliott, whose brother and daughter are gay.

"They don't have the same rights under the law that I do, and I feel that's wrong," Elliott said.

The resolution does not specifically mention paid benefits, but the County Council plans to discuss that issue during a budget retreat June 18.

Rather, the resolution on "inclusive communities" is a call to action for local elected officials nationwide.

"We mourn past and present discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, veteran status, political affiliation, marital status, disability, poverty and other classifications which have been used to oppress," it reads. "And we envision a future where unique characteristics and perspectives are treasured and welcomed."

If Summit County were to offer benefits to domestic partners of its employees, it would follow in the footsteps of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County. Other municipalities, including Sandy, also are studying the issue.

— Rebecca Palmer

Recent comments

I agree with Vince. Speaking of NARTH and their discredited...

September Visit | June 4, 2009 at 6:18 p.m.

Re: The privileges we enjoy

Further, gays do not pose a threat to...

Vince | June 4, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.

The privileges we enjoy

You wrote,

"As homosexuals are in no...

Vince | June 4, 2009 at 5:09 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

I laughed at the names that were given to the snakes, such clever names. I...

Harpring's NBA career is over

I used you to really hope you were always kidding with your political posts....

RE: Anon @ 5:47 There is a BIG difference between freedom of and freedom...

Schanze shuts down 'Awesome Computers'

The only ones that are disturbed are the liberal media that hates guns so bad...

Matt it has been awesome to have you here as a player and role model. I hope...

I'm a USU grad, and saw a great shirt about US not you! "DEE GLEN SMITH...

Hey look, Jazz Cop and CL are agreeing with each other on back-to-back...

Hey, the papers are going bankrupt because of their inability to adjust their...

Harpring's NBA career is over

Matt, you will be truly missed. Thanks for showing us what playing with real...

2A All-State teams

Good job to all the ladies this season. Hard work and determination has it's...

Advertisements