Voters Repeal Domestic Benefits For Partners Of City Employees

A proposition to repeal health insurance benefits for gay and unmarried partners of El Paso city employees passed Tuesday, but people on both sides of the issue agree the battle may just be beginning.

“I want to thank everyone who voted against the proposition. Those who voted for it, I think we forgive them of their unfortunate views,” Bill Ellis said. “Other major cities in Texas have this, as well as around the country. For once, El Paso wasn’t the last to do something progressive, but it is the first to take a giant step back.”

The group, El Pasoans for Traditional Family Values, spearheaded the move to overturn a decision by City Council members.

Last year, City Council approved the domestic partners policy, extending health benefits to domestic partners of city employees.

“We’re very excited about the results,” Pastor Tom Brown said. “It kind of tells you how strong people really feel about traditional family values and keeping marriage and the definition of marriage intact.”

Nineteen employees received the benefits this year at a cost of less than $30,000 to taxpayers. The special election for this proposition cost about $130,000. There could still be fallout after the vote. Employees or the city could challenge the results because, they say, the proposition can denies benefits to spouses of retired city workers.

“They failed to make the ordinance mandatory or instructive in any way,” Ellis said. “It’s merely a statement of philosophy. But it doesn’t compel domestic partnerships be terminated nor can it be taken away from the ones who have it.”

Those opposed to extending benefits say they’re prepared for a legal battle.

“We have a law firm that’s in the wings. If we have to defend, they’re ready to defend us,” Brown said. “What they need to do is simply one thing: end the domestic health benefit program. That’s it. If they do it, there’s no lawsuits anywhere.”