Lexington, Ky., mayor extends DP benefits

Lexington, Ky., mayor Teresa Isaac has changed the city's health care plan in order to extend health insurance benefits to the domestic partners of city employees, including gay and lesbian city employees, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. The changes, which take effect July 1, are being heralded by gay and lesbian activists and criticized by some members of the urban county council, who say the mayor should have consulted them before making the change. Bruce Edwards, the mayor's spokesman, said Isaac would not comment on the move but added that she was advised by city lawyers that she could make the change without the consent of the council. "Legally, she can do it administratively, and that's what she did," Edwards said. "She's not going to get into a debate with council members who disagree."