House Republican Leadership UPDATE: March 8, 2007

 

 

House Committee Votes on Domestic Partner Benefits Bill

Measure fails but, Republican Members Stand Together on Vote

Frankfort, KY - Wednesday, March 6, Senate Bill 152 failed to pass the House Health and Welfare Committee. This bill would have banned public agencies from offering domestic partner benefits.

"The issue is not about lack of access to health care, this is about defining same-sex and unmarried opposite-sex relationships as recognized domestic partnerships for the purpose of expanded insurance benefits via a mutually signed affidavit," said Representative Addia Wuchner (R-Florence). "These domestic partner affidavits outline a relationship for unmarried couples that is substantially similar to marriage, which would then appear to be in violation of the marriage amendment of the Kentucky Constitution."

The committee completed three meetings prior to the vote. At these hearings, testimony was given by the bill sponsor, Senator Vernie McGaha (R-Russell Springs), as well as specialists in constitutional law. Other guests included University of Louisville President James Ramsey and representatives from the Family Foundation and the Kentucky Fairness Alliance.

Representative David Floyd (R-Bardstown) commented, "I'm not convinced the program is needed in order to attract the 'best and brightest'. Universities know that they can offer health insurance add-ons without incorporating the domestic partner program. And surely there are plenty of people who are not only bright, but also married."

Floyd continued, "If this bill was considered by the full house there's no doubt that it would become full law. A huge majority of representatives accurately reflect the overwhelming opinion of Kentuckians who want to protect the institution of marriage."

State Representative Scott Brinkman (R-Louisville) objected based on financial considerations. "Why are we expanding insurance when we cannot handle the fiscal responsibility?" asked Rep. Brinkman. "I can't support allowing the $12-billion underfunded deficit in our state health care plans to dramatically increase."

Glenn Lavy from the Alliance Legal Defense Fund testified as to the constitutionality of the domestic partner program. He noted that the Kentucky Constitution defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. And argued that allowing public entities to offer such benefits would be a clear violation of this amendment to the Kentucky Constitution.

"I'm proud that our party could stand together in support of this bill," said House Minority Whip Stan Lee. "With this vote we showed that we are in favor of fiscal responsibility and that we stand with the voters of this state in defending traditional family values."

A motion was made to vote on the bill in Wednesday's meeting. The committee vote was eight-to-eight, with bi-partisan support, but Senate Bill 152 needed nine votes to pass out of committee.

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Amber Owens
Assistant Communications Director
House Republican Leadership
Capitol Annex, Room 414
(502) 564-5413