Davis Signs Domestic Partner Benefit Bill

AP ^ | 10-13-03 | AP

[ambrose]

Davis Signs Domestic Partner Benefit Bill

ETHAN RARICK Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - California has became the first state to require businesses with large state contracts to offer domestic partners the same benefits that spouses enjoy, although the law will not take effect until 2007.

Outgoing Gov. Gray Davis signed the bill enacting the measure, which had been a key goal of gay rights groups.

Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, called the move "incredibly significant."

"There are a lot of businesses that want state contracts, and in order to be eligible, companies will now have to give equal benefits," Kors said.

In 1996, San Francisco became the first jurisdiction in the country to adopt such a requirement, prompting numerous companies to offer benefits to domestic partners, Kors said. Other cities have since followed suit, and California is the first state to approve such a law, Kors said.

The measure narrowly cleared the Legislature earlier this year, passing the Assembly with the minimum number of votes needed.

At the time, Democrats described the measure as a victory for fairness and civil rights, while Republican opponents said it would trample the rights of employers who objected to gay relationships.

Davis signed the measure Sunday as he considered dozens of bills sent to him by the Legislature. He faced a midnight deadline to act on the measures.

The governor, who was recalled by voters Oct. 7 but will remain in office until the results become official, had tried to appeal to California's large gay community earlier this year in an attempt to increase public support and keep his job.

Davis already has approved a bill giving domestic partners most of the rights and responsibilities of married couples.

The bill regarding state contracts was the other major gay rights bill passed by the Legislature this year, and gay rights groups had urged Davis to sign it even though he has been recalled. Gov.-Elect Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, had asked Davis to sign no more bills before leaving office, but has acknowledged Davis' right to do so.

The new law will apply to contracts worth $100,000 or more, and may be waived in emergencies and cases where there is only one bidder.

In 1999, California became the first state in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to register as domestic partners.

[Always Right]

At the time, Democrats described the measure as a victory for fairness and civil rights, while Republican opponents said it would trample the rights of employers who objected to gay relationships.

Of course Arnold will not repeal this like he should, but it seems you could win a lawsuit filed over equal protection over this.

[gunnedah]

This is how the Democrats operate when they are mad and vindictive. People had better awaken and the Republicans had better go to fighting back. The Democrats have obstructed through leaglize and stopped Conservatives from electing qualified conservative judges and redistricting. It is high time to stand and fight. The democrats operate like terrorist and they are dismantling America,her values and security for the sake of their agenda and power.
I have no doubts they are in the process of overthrowing America and our Constitutional Republic by the rule of law.

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[gulfcoast6]

And our side does NOTHING to counter this, look at those republican old coggers in Washington, nothing, sit and takes it.

[sergeantdave]

So if the local drug pusher shacks up with a $20 dollar hooker, is that a domestic partnership and do they get bennies?

[B Knotts]

Well, this is bad...but Schwarzenegger probably would have signed it, too.

[joesnuffy]

Scumbag is as scumbag does

[DoctorZIn]

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[Spok]

As expected, the Davis version of the scorched earth policy.

[Go Gordon]

"There are a lot of businesses that want state contracts, and in order to be eligible, companies will now have to give equal benefits," Kors said.

All this will really lead to eventually, is no benefits for anybody. Companies will offer gays the same benefits - nothing. So who loses out? The majority of hard working people just trying to make a living and raise their families.

[longtermmemmory]

This law can be repealed under the concept of attracting business. This is yet another burden on business.

Solution: offer no benefits to anyone.

[longtermmemmory]

CF needs a anti-scorched earth provision in the recall mechanism.

Davis demonstrates he has no class.

Democrats are dying, this is what they will do before they are gone for good.