Kentucky
Anti-Domestic Partner Benefits Bill Defeated

A Kentucky senate bill that would have barred state agencies and schools from providing health insurance for the domestic partners of employees was killed by a committee in the state house of representatives. The Health and Welfare Committee voted 9-6 to reject the bill, according to The [Louisville] Courier-Journal.

Committee member David Watkins called the legislation divisive and said the senate is ignoring more prominent problems in health, such as smoking, obesity, and adequate mental health services.

"I am tired of the same petty issues coming before us when we've got major issues to address," he said, according to the article. He also criticized a supporter of the bill, the Family Foundation, for not being more concerned with larger health issues.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Vernie McGaha, said he would introduce the legislation again next year. He said he was concerned about the erosion of the sanctity of marriage by the provision of domestic-partner benefits.

Gay state senator Ernesto Scorsone said he was pleased with the outcome of the bill's fate. "I think most Kentuckians believe if you are able to pay for the insurance, you ought to be able to buy it," Scorsone told The Courier-Journal. "I really do think it's a great victory for fairness." (The Advocate)