Ala. Rep. Wants End to Same-Sex Benefits

An Alabama legislator has drafted a bill aimed at keeping the state's public universities from offering employee benefits to same-sex partners.

By Christopher Mangum

DuWayne Bridges X180 (OFFICIAL) | ADVOCATE.COM

An Alabama legislator has drafted a bill designed to keep the state's public universities from offering domestic-partner benefits.

Republican state representative DuWayne Bridges says his bill is ready for the next session in January.

The legislation would prohibit public universities from receiving state funds if they offer benefits to same-sex partners.

“Universities may be free to engage in whatever liberal social experiments they choose, but they should do it on their own dimes and not the taxpayers',” Bridges said in unveiling the legislation, reports TheTuscaloosa News.

Bridges's bill is aimed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Alabama in Huntsville, which currently allow faculty and staff members to sign up for benefits for domestic partners of either sex.

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Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Joe Quiles
Date posted: 11/16/2009 10:52:00 PM
Hometown: Boston, MA

Comment:
I think we should stop the marriage discussion and file to make all marriages straight and gay civil unions. Let the church own marriage but the state and feds should just recognize civil unions. One system, equalt to all, the same for everyone. Marriage is for the church, not recognized by the feds or state, civil union for all. That way we can avoid the close minded bigots.
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Name: Jester
Date posted: 11/16/2009 9:54:39 PM
Hometown: California

Comment:
Bridges' bill hurts all students of his state's public universities, since it will make it even harder to attract top-notch faculty to this academic backwater. One of the most challenging aspects of university administration is recruiting and retaining talented faculty. Unlike bankers, we're not exactly highly paid (many full professors never hit 6 figures in a career that requires an entire decade of post-secondary education), so universities compete for the best of us by offering good benefits and an intellectually rewarding work environment. Even in this economy, the competition for top candidates is fierce, and I can't imagine most academics being drawn to a school that discriminates against them or their colleagues (as demonstrated in the state of Michigan, which junior professors are leaving in droves).
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Nathan
Date posted: 11/16/2009 7:16:54 PM
Hometown: Franklin

Comment:
So much for being the party of staying out of people's lives.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Jay
Date posted: 11/16/2009 6:19:08 PM
Hometown: Santa Monica

Comment:
I predicted that this would happen when the benefits were first announced. Considering how backward Alabama is, I doubt it will be possible to stop this bill. The only possibility might be to challenge the law if it is passed in the federal courts on the ground that the legislature is acting out of animus. As far as the state courts, fuggetaboutit: they are more reactionary than the legislature. It may be worthwhile for professional organizations to boycott the University of Alabama, but I doubt that they have enough balls.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Jessica K
Date posted: 11/16/2009 5:40:32 PM
Hometown: NJ

Comment:
OK, Fine. Now all you queer's in Alabama don't have to pay taxes. Only fair!
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Mark
Date posted: 11/16/2009 5:38:16 PM
Hometown: Tesuque

Comment:
I would like to remind this gentleman that gay residents of the state pay taxes as well. If he is going to use this ploy, then he better make all gay residents of the state tax exempt.
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Name: Davya
Date posted: 11/16/2009 5:23:54 PM
Hometown: Wynnewood, PA

Comment:
The south is acting like an underdeveloped and uncultured society of peasants? I would have NEVER thought.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Ben
Date posted: 11/16/2009 5:04:23 PM
Hometown: NY

Comment:
Heh Casey I was thinking the same. DuWayne looks like a sweet old grandpa in this photo. They should show him in his hood.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Casey Cameron
Date posted: 11/16/2009 4:57:54 PM
Hometown: Chicago

Comment:
He forgot to put on his white hood. Maybe he loaned it out.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Skylar
Date posted: 11/16/2009 4:34:04 PM
Hometown: Bowling Green, KY

Comment:
I don't see how the far right can say they're not homophobic now. They've gone far beyond "protecting the sanctity of marriage." Now they're just being mean.

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