Cincinnati Considers Health Coverage for All Domestic Partners

The city of Cincinnati is proposing health benefits for domestic partners in both gay and straight relationships.

WKRC reports that the new measure would extend benefits to all domestic partners of unmarried city employees. Cincinnati elected a new City Council last month, which included its first openly gay member, Chris Seelbach (pictured), who also proposed the amendment.

So far, only one member of the nine-person council, Charlie Winburn, is opposed, claiming a possible increase in city expenses that could add to a $16 million budget shortfall.

Seelbach said the benefits would help Cincinnati compete for high-caliber employees as well as establish an equality-minded reputation for the city.