Nashville Council Does ‘Right Thing,’ Passes Benefits For Same-Sex Couples

Nashville isn’t the first, second or even third city in Tennessee to offer benefits to same-sex partners of employees. Knoxville, Chattanooga and Collegedale preceded Nashville. Credit: Blake Farmer / WPLN

Nashville will join the ranks of Tennessee cities who fund health insurance for the same-sex partners of employees. Tuesday night the Metro Council signed off on a plan estimated to cost as much as $1 million a year.

Only a couple of councilmembers spoke against the proposal, attacking it primarily for the expense. However, Councilman Bill Pridemore touched on his moral opposition.

“What is being asked of me and my constituents – the taxpayers who will foot this bill for this and have voiced their opposition to this bill – this is a compromise of their and my values,” Pridemore said.

The final vote was 27-7-2, which was a similar breakdown to the first two votes on the domestic partner benefits bill.

The sentiment from Councilman Lonnell Matthews won the day.

“Same work, same benefits,” Matthews said. “I don’t think you can really put a cost on doing the right thing.”

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean released a statement saying the vote “reaffirms” that the city respects “individual dignity” and is “truly inclusive.”