Mayor Karl Dean included funding to extend benefits to same-sex partners of Metro employees in his recommended budget. Doing so, he said, shows Nashville respects individual dignity and embraces differences. Image: Office of Mayor Karl Dean
The city of Nashville is one vote away from extending health insurance and other benefits to couples in domestic partnerships who work for the city.
On Tuesday, Metro Council overwhelmingly approved the proposal on the second of three required readings. It’s a move that dozens of other cities have already undertaken.
The proposal lets same-sex couples who have lived together for at least a year receive the same shared benefits for which all other couples qualify.
Councilman Josh Stites was the in the minority of those who opposed the measure. He said he resisted it “not from a place of rancor or ill will,” but from a “faith that convicts me.”
Councilman Scott Davis also brought up his faith during the debate, yet he said his faith compels him to treat people equally. He noted that some constituents have emailed to say they’d try to recall him if he voted for it.
Mayor Karl Dean has recommended funding the benefits extension, which is estimated to cost up to $1 million. His office projects it will affect around 1 percent of city employees.
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