Cincinnati to offer benefits for employees' domestic partners
5/3/2012CINCINNATI — Cincinnati has become the latest city to offer benefits to its employees' domestic partners.
City council voted 8-1 this week to offer insurance for adults who are financially interdependent and living with non-married employees. Supporters say the move is about fairness and will help attract new employees.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the city manager suggests modeling the program after one in Columbus, with requirements possibly including that unmarried partners have been in the relationship at least six months.
Cleveland already offers such benefits, as do an estimated 200 cities or other local governments across the country. Near Cincinnati, neighboring Covington, Ky., also passed a plan this week.
The Sharonville, Ohio-based Citizens for Community Values has said it might challenge the Cincinnati decision in court.