Cutbacks won't deter expansion Aug 16, 2008
The Medical College of Georgia will join the University of Georgia and Georgia State University in calling on the Board of Regents to allow health insurance for domestic partners. In an online poll, MCG faculty voted in favor of a resolution asking the regents to allow the benefits, said Bill Andrews, the vice chairman of MCG's Academic Council. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Schools want to be allowed to insure domestic partners Aug 15, 2008
Your Connection to the. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Salem's Witch Trial Aug 14, 2008
This request is a result of my recent discovery that you have written a letter to the Ohio legislature in support of passing initiatives that would extend benefits to the domestic partners of gay employees at your university. It is now abundantly evident that you did not fire Crystal Dixon because she could not perform her duties at UT. You fired her because she disagrees with your political views and because she is interfering with your efforts to serve as a political lobbyist for the gay... (Townhall.com)
Learn From Anna Nicole's Financial Mistakes Aug 12, 2008
For same-sex partners, a number of states give domestic partners some or all of the same protections as married couples. Massachusetts and California recognize same-sex marriages. (KCRA 3, CA)
An opportunity for CooperationLegislature's delay on construction funding has school district, contractor working together to complete Vista Grande High School on time Aug 9, 2008
-- The district will investigate the possibility of including domestic partners, "recognized by the appropriate legal entity," in the district's health insurance and report back to the meet-and-confer team by Oct. 31. Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2008. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Budget cuts in Nevada expected to reduce benefits for state workers Aug 9, 2008
The budget cut would have been higher but the board deferred a plan to expand benefits to cover domestic partners, including same-sex couples. The move, which saves $8. (KRNV.com, NV)
Insuring partners to go up for vote Aug 5, 2008
The Medical College of Georgia might be poised to join the state's two largest universities in calling on the state Board of Regents to extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners ... In October, elected faculty councils at both schools unanimously endorsed offering benefits to domestic partners, but the regents haven't taken up the issue. (The Augusta Chronicle)
MCG polls faculty on domestic partner benefits Aug 4, 2008
" Childs, a music professor, said he has not given up hope that Georgia eventually will adopt domestic partner benefits, joining hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities that already have done so. In Colorado and Indiana, two states where universities already offer benefits to partners, advocates lobbied for 10 years before the change, he said. In Georgia, only seven years have passed since the first resolutions, he said. Childs said he hasn't heard whether the University Council or any... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Nestor wants District 2 council seat Jul 30, 2008
Nestor wrote on Jul 28, 2008 9:35 PM:" Then we should ask 'all' domestic partners to jointly own titled and deeded property to reflect their commitment. Then we should adjust City Secretaries starting wage at $21.09 down to market wages in Lacrosse that are 2/3 or less. Then we need to know 'in house' what our Capital Budget (slush fund) is comprised from, and expense ledgers paid out itemized and tallied as well. Now, that's a good start. Any more questions? ". Nestor wrote on Jul 28, 2008 9:34... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Will gays' boycott turn tables in November? Jul 29, 2008
Religious conservatives boycotted Disney in 1997 largely to protest its policy of providing health insurance to same-sex domestic partners and allowing special gay events at its theme parks. Groups calling for the boycott included the Southern Baptist Convention, the American Family Association and Focus on the Family. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
AMERICA'S FUTURE: Same-Sex Couples in Benefits Battle Jul 26, 2008
The new policy, which offers same-sex couples the kind of tax-free benefits not available to domestic partners, will go into effect Aug. 1, according to a company spokeswoman. "It is spouse coverage," said Karen Merkel-Liberatore, senior director of Public Relations and Communications for BlueCross BlueShield Western New York. (Fox News)
Mesa being sued under Title IX by former employees Jul 25, 2008
Sulpizio and Bass have been registered domestic partners since July 2002. I want to bring about change, to improve the situation for student-athletes, women's faculty and coaches in athletics, Sulpizio said. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
LETTERS: NCT, July 19, 2008 Jul 20, 2008
"I have never seen any example of anyone on this web site or elsewhere attempting to interfere with Christians observing their own religious beliefs and practices. What I do see is many of us who object to Christians trying to force the use of public resources and facilities to force those of us who do not share their beliefs to be required to participate in them.And, by the way, using examples of other countries that are even worse does not mean that, since we're not THAT bad that we therefore... (North County Times)
Poll: Voters Oppose Gay Marriage Ban Jul 19, 2008
That vote came a year after the state Legislature enacted the first of a series of laws awarding spousal rights to domestic partners. This year's ballot initiative comes on the heels of a landmark California Supreme Court decision in May that granted marriage rights to same-sex couples. (KCRA 3, CA)
Beck refused attempt to file for mayor Jul 16, 2008
It applies to spouses, domestic partners, parents, siblings, and sons or daughters through blood, marriage or adoption. Beck's wife, Jacki, is the youngest daughter of Councilman Ray Weldon, whose candidacy for re-election has been accepted for the November general election. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Topless firefighter's badge raises eyebrows Jul 8, 2008
The couple had their first wedding ceremony in 2001, when they registered as domestic partners. In 2004, they married a second time in San Francisco when Mayor Gavin Newsom tried to make same-sex marriage legal. (San Francisco Chronicle)
The Slippery Slope is Real (and Real Slippery) Jul 1, 2008
"In 2004, the Legislature added domestic partnership status to the categories protected by the LAD." ... "Legislature passed the Domestic Partnership Act, which confers certain benefits and rights on same-sex partners who enter into a partnership under the Act." ... "The Domestic Partnership Act has failed to bridge the inequality gap between committed same-sex couples and married opposite-sex couples.". (Townhall.com)
Gay Pride Parade Marches Through Downtown Seattle Jun 30, 2008
The recent legalization of same-sex marriages in California, and new rights for domestic partners in our state, gave parade-goers extra reason to celebrate. Copyright 2008 by. (KIRO TV, WA)
Legislature's session ends with testy finale Jun 28, 2008
A similar measure, which also banned governments from offering benefits to employees' domestic partners, gay or straight, failed at the polls in 2006 ... But it stalled in the House early on after opponents succeeded in amending it to give expanded rights to domestic partners. (AZCentral -- News)
Editorial: Timber payments are not coming back Jun 27, 2008
CarpeDM wrote on Jun 26, 2008 8:29 PM:" Cut a tree save a county employees domestic partners health insurance ! ". Member ID. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Same-sex marriage is wrong Jun 26, 2008
David wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:49 AM:" Nicely stated California Native. This state has gone down hill over the last 20 plus years. I can agree with all that you said. Marriage is only between and man and women. If gays want to have domestic partners in a legal union, that's fine, but it should not be called marrage. These judges who made this error in judgement will be over turned in the November election. There are still enough real American California Natives still living here to see to that.... (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Gays trying to wed find tangled laws Jun 23, 2008
Domestic partnerships ... Since then, West Palm Beach has registered 223 couples as domestic partners, of which four have been terminated ... Palm Beach County has registered 271 domestic partners, with eight terminated. (The Palm Beach Post)
Initiative to aid McCain? Jun 23, 2008
Later, the California Legislature passed laws that allowed same-sex couples registered as domestic partners to have nearly all the rights and responsibilities of married couples ... When asked about same-sex marriage, Obama often notes that he supports domestic partnership benefits. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
With airline alliance switch, a planeload of questions Jun 22, 2008
United hasn't started charging the fee yet, but American Airlines has, even though one of its domestic partners, Alaska Airlines, has not. Alaska Airlines spokesman Paul McElroy said in cases in which a flight involves both carriers, the fee is charged based on which plane the passengers board first. (Houston Chronicle)
GLBT Corporate Roundtable pushes for equality Jun 22, 2008
BNY Mellon, being a financial services company, was way ahead of the various manufacturing companies in Pittsburgh on providing benefits for domestic partners. Without ever advertising or sending out any sort of notices, the members of the group now represent a dozen area employers. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
California: First weekend for same-sex weddings Jun 22, 2008
The couple was registered as domestic partners for six years before the state Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriages. But Bonilla said marriage unites our relationship more than just a domestic partnership ... Though the two are registered domestic partners, it's been a second-class relationship until today. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
A 30-year engagement Jun 20, 2008
The pair, who have been registered domestic partners since 2000, waited about a week after the Supreme Court decision before deciding to get married. Lewis, who is a training developer with Caltrans, wanted to make sure that Aanestad would still be covered on her health insurance if they got married since Aanestad is a freelance Web designer, multimedia designer and Macintosh consultant. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
REGION: County weds gay couples Jun 19, 2008
The couple already had adopted the same last names when they registered as domestic partners in 2003. "We wanted to get it done as soon as we could," Beth Warren said about why they were among the first in line. (North County Times)
Area couples tie the knot Jun 18, 2008
He and Crampton, a nurse, are registered domestic partners, but wanted to get married because there are many legal issues not included in domestic partnership, he said. There are about a thousand things left out of domestic partnerships, Bearman said. (Santa Maria Times)
Gordon Smith apologizes for comment seemingly linking polygamy, same-sex marriage Jun 18, 2008
He also supports Oregon's civil union law, and he favors broader rights for domestic partners. His comments last week caused a ruckus among gays and lesbians. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
'I Now Pronounce You Spouses For Life' Jun 18, 2008
The two moved in together in 1994 and had registered with the county as domestic partners. "We have been rock-solid for a long, long time," VanZile said. (NBC4.tv, CA)
Wedding bells ring in valley Jun 18, 2008
In 2004, they registered as domestic partners in California. "We've taken every step that there is to show how committed we are to one another," Judd said. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Wave of weddings for Bay Area same-sex couples Jun 18, 2008
They are registered domestic partners in California and New York but have never held any type of commitment ceremony. "We really wanted to wait until we could get married," Valles said. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Gay couples tie the knot in California Jun 17, 2008
They had a civil ceremony in 2000 in Vermont and became domestic partners recognized by the state of California in 2002. Then the couple married in San Francisco in 2004. (USA Today)
How gays' attitudes toward marriage evolved Jun 16, 2008
That ordinance, passed in November 1996, was the first in the nation to require employers who have contracts with the city to provide benefits to domestic partners. That was in the late 1990s, and the national gay rights organizations were just beginning to discuss marriage as an issue, said Sue Hyde, who coordinates the Creating Change conference for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
What to expect as gay wedding bells ring Jun 16, 2008
QUESTION: What rights do spouses have under same-sex marriage that they do not have under a domestic partnership. ANSWER: Domestic partnerships afford same-sex couples most of the same rights as a marriage ... No such option exists with domestic partnerships. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Some gays are asking themselves: 'I do?' Jun 15, 2008
Gay couples have long held commitment ceremonies, registered as domestic partners or just grown old together in lifelong committed relationships. But marriage. (Los Angeles Times)
Same-sex laws Jun 15, 2008
2005 California Supreme Court lets stand a new law creating domestic partners' registry for same-sex couples. California Supreme Court issues first-of-its-kind ruling recognizing the co-parenting rights of same-sex couples. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
You Are Now Pronounced Party A And Party B Jun 15, 2008
" "I just want to be a part of the mainstream American society, which I am," Altman said. "But I don't want to feel like I'm a second-class citizen - That I can have a domestic partnership but I can't have a marriage ... But California does recognize domestic partnerships ... Arguing against gay marriage, the state attorney general said domestic partners have rights equal to those of married couples, just under a different name. (CBS News -- US)
California: Same-sex weddings will affect other states Jun 15, 2008
As New Yorkers, they've already gained some rights as registered domestic partners since 2004, but they view marriage as a big advance. When Jennie would tell co-workers we're domestic partners, people would say 'Oh, that's nice,' but they don't really get what that means, Sarda-Sorensen said ... They've been together 29 years, and registered last year as domestic partners when Washington adopted that policy. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Some gay couples won't rush to altar Jun 15, 2008
If same-sex couples aren't in a domestic partnership, they don't have many legal rights when it comes to the financial pie they share if the relationship ends ... The two have been together 23 years, are in a domestic partnership and are very happy, she said ... Jerry Matteson and Blair Hollinger, together for more than a dozen years and domestic partners since 2001, see no reason to rush into marriage. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Consumer education includes military, single parents and grandparents Jun 14, 2008
These are among the national findings by the and the and Consumer Affairs' insurance division, which recently expanded its insurance-education program to help with four types of consumers: military personnel, domestic partners, single parents and grandparents raising grandchildren ... 47 percent of domestic partners said they had plans covering their partner, meaning more than half of people in committed relationships paid more money than married couples for coverage; and ... 49 percent of... (Pacific Business News, HI)
Counties prep for coming gay nups Jun 14, 2008
Strange noted that California does recognize "domestic partnerships" between same-sex couples, but, he added, "What does that get you?" ... To Cadotte, the status the state affords domestic partners "seems second class" compared to marriage. (The Union Democrat)
Exchanging vows, securing benefits Jun 13, 2008
Gay and lesbian couples who are registered in California as domestic partners already receive many of the same government and private employer benefits that other married couples do. But for those getting married who aren't already registered domestic partners, their employers may be confronting the issue for the first time. (Fresno Bee)
Council gives initial nod to domestic registry Jun 12, 2008
The city has long offered benefits to domestic partners and common law spouses of its employees, but the new legislation tightens up definitions. The city now provides benefits to common law spouses of 55 employees, and domestic partners of another five, according to Personnel Director Barbara Trant, whose department would administer the registry. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
AZ Dems would prefer Janet stay Jun 10, 2008
In the past year alone, her agencies have approved rules to provide benefits to domestic partners of state government employees and retirees and to have Arizona follow California's lead on auto emissions. A midterm Napolitano departure also would have 2010 election implications. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
In 'Freeheld,' it's power to the people Jun 4, 2008
The decision rests in the hands of a local government board known as the freeholders, who have the discretion, under state law, to extend pension benefits to domestic partners. And while Laurel's cause wins vocal support from her fellow officers, the press, and much of the community, the freeholders stand firm with their "no's," citing money and making vague references to morality. (Boston Globe)
Councilman's domestic registry plan allows sharing of benefits Jun 4, 2008
4 percent of the people covered under the city's insurance are registered domestic partners. Domestic partners and their children amount to 1. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Gay marriage ban qualifies for Calif. ballot Jun 3, 2008
The last time the state's California voters were asked to express their views on gay marriage at the ballot box was in 2000, the year after the Legislature enacted the first of a series of laws awarding spousal rights to domestic partners. Proposition 22, which strengthened the state's 1978 one-man, one-woman marriage law with the words "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," passed with 61 percent of the vote. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Is Wal-Mart too liberal? Jun 2, 2008
Comment: I recall some years ago, people freaking out because Disney provided benefits to domestic partners and called for a boycott. It had no effect as far as I know. (MSNBC -- Business)
California's recognition of same-sex marriages could spur legal actions in Arizona Jun 2, 2008
Arizona voters turned down a constitutional ban in 2006, but support for that ballot measure eroded largely because it also barred government entities and the state universities from offering benefits to any domestic partners. This year's proposal deals only with defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Post-Christian America Jun 2, 2008
Marriage needs to be ABOLISHED as a CIVIL INSTITUTION to be replaced with Universal Domestic Partnerships ... 2) Civil Marriage will be replaced by Domestic Partnerships ... 3) Under Domestic Partnerships, ANY two available, free adults may enter into partnership with each other. (Human Events Online)
California: Clerk to be first when gay marriage is legal May 31, 2008
Every year, Weir has turned away those who showed up on his turf with a polite apology and a referral to the state government Web site where they could learn about registering as domestic partners, a step he and Hemm took in 2003. In the meantime, Weir has officiated at about 20 weddings, mostly for friends and relatives but occasionally for couples who come to the clerk's office. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
The Aftershocks of Gay Marriage May 30, 2008
Clearly, the imposition of same sex marriage will have repercussions that extend far beyond simply having the state calling committed gay couples married instead of domestic partners. Consider our schools. (Human Events Online)
REGION: Local gay couples could marry beginning June 17 May 29, 2008
The amended forms also include changes to accommodate same-sex couples who already have registered as domestic partners, a category created in 2003 by the state that gives gay couples most legal rights and benefits of marriage ... The new forms say domestic partners don't have to dissolve their partnerships if they are marrying the same person. (North County Times)
State Officials: Same-Sex Marriages Can Begin June 17 May 29, 2008
The amended forms also contain a change to accommodate same-sex couples who already have registered as domestic partners, a category created in 2003 that bestowed the legal rights and benefits of marriage to gay men and lesbians without the title. The previous marriage license applications stated that people in domestic partnerships were barred from getting married, a prohibition based on the fact that same-sex couples could not legally wed ... The new forms say domestic partners don't have to... (NBC4.tv, CA)
Calif: Same-sex marriages OK beginning June 17 May 29, 2008
The amended forms also contain a change to accommodate same-sex couples who already have registered as domestic partners, a category created in 2003 that bestowed the legal rights and benefits of marriage to gay men and lesbians without the title. A group opposed to gay marriage has asked the court to stay its decision until after the November election, when voters are likely to face a ballot initiative that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. (Fresno Bee -- State)
California: The uninsured have a friend in S.F. May 26, 2008
In an interview, he recalled that San Francisco was one of the first governments in the nation to require employers to provide health insurance coverage for domestic partners. Everyone hated it at the time and said how difficult it was going to be, he said. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Same-sex couples looking for their place in Kings County May 25, 2008
We have been registered as Domestic Partners for the past five years (when I turned 20 years old). My partner and I both work, pay taxes and enjoy living in this city and will continue to do so despite the haters. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Gay marriage debate expected to go national May 22, 2008
This ruling will permanently set gay rights back many years in most others states and particularly the possibilities for the middle ground of domestic partnerships ... "But last week, this middle ground disappeared -- courtesy of the California Supreme Court. In ruling California's marriage laws unconstitutional, the court made clear that, far from preserving traditional marriage, domestic partnerships are actually likely to hasten its demise. The California court has no direct impact on... (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Talented dog takes bigger bite May 22, 2008
Domestic partners aren't spared: A certificate will rise in price from $25 to $35. Christopher Hearley, city budget director, said most fees rose 25 percent. (Albany Times Union)
Our view on same-sex marriage: California ruling invites backlash against gay rights May 22, 2008
The state's domestic partnership laws have been a model for other states searching for the needed middle ground that addresses the deep-felt national division over gay marriage ... allow gay couples to enter civil unions or register as domestic partners ... But the domestic partnership laws in California are hardly equivalent to the egregious racial discrimination of the Jim Crow era. (Yahoo News)
Gays, Guns and Guidelines May 21, 2008
The California legislature already has done that in almost every respect, extending to gay "domestic partners" all the rights and responsibilities that apply to heterosexual couples under state law, while withholding the "marriage" label. So why does it matter if a court pushes the state a bit further in this direction, requiring equal nomenclature as well as equal treatment. (Townhall.com)
Our View: Marriage ruling a win for fairness May 21, 2008
Since then the Legislature has gradually expanded the legal privileges of domestic partners until they are virtually the same as married couples have, including the right to file joint state tax returns. However, in 2000 California voters enacted a 14-word initiative: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." With its decision Thursday the Supreme Court declared this provision to be unconstitutional and, therefore, invalid. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
REGION: County clerk may excuse employees from officiating same-sex marriages May 21, 2008
Her office does administer the state's domestic partners program, which gives couples most of the legal benefits of marriage conferred by the state. The state Office of Vital Records regulates marriage licenses. (North County Times)
