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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 1, 2007
Contact:
Christina Gilgor, Kentucky Fairness Alliance Executive Director, (859) 420-6677
STATEMENT: KENTUCKY FAIRNESS ALLIANCE PRAISES ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION ON DOMESTIC PARTNERS
Frankfort --- Attorney General Greg Stumbo released his legal opinion on the constitutionality of domestic partner benefits on Friday. The opinion says universities can extend health insurance and other benefits to anyone they choose, so long as those benefit plans do not require employees to attest to a marriage-like legal relationship.
Christina Gilgor, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, released this statement:
"AG Stumbo's opinion inspires new hope for fair-minded Kentuckians. First, the opinion recognizes the universities' need to extend fair healthcare in order to be competitive. Second, it legitimately answers opponents' constitutional concerns. Third, the opinion affirms that health insurance is not an 'inherent right or benefit of marriage.'"
"We've said all along that fair healthcare takes the issue of marital status off the table, by treating all coupled employees the same. We hope the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky will follow the attorney general's suggestion.
"The couples enrolled in the benefit plans at the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky are as ordinary and unique as any other family in Kentucky. Providing them the simple security of health insurance is the smart, right, and fair thing to do."
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With over 10,000 members, the Kentucky Fairness Alliance seeks to advance equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through leadership development, public education and by encouraging participation in the democratic process.
The Ampersand symbolizes the solidarity we are building through Friends & Family, and suggests the inclusiveness we are working toward. It reflects the idea that no one individual, legislator, organization, or city can carry all the water for equality. Our success lies in our solidarity.
