Idaho City Grants
DP Benefits for City Workers

The Moscow, Idaho, city council approved a resolution to provide insurance benefits to the domestic partners of city employees. The 4-2 vote occurred during the council's final meeting of the year, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Regency Blue Shield of Idaho, the city government's insurance company, has offered a plan to cover health insurance to heterosexual and same-sex domestic partners. According to the article, employees who meet Regency Blue Shield's requirements must also sign an affidavit to be eligible for the benefits.

Moscow city attorney Randy Fife told the Associated Press that the plan doesn't violate the state's ban on same-sex marriage because the city is adding an option to an insurance plan, not creating domestic partnerships. (The Advocate)