Spokane extends domestic partner benefits

[Newsjock]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/221809_partners27.html?dpfrom=thead

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPOKANE -- The Spokane City Council has approved extending benefits to unmarried partners of city employees, if their labor unions want to negotiate for those benefits.

After nearly three hours of emotional testimony, the council voted 5-2 in favor of the "domestic partnership benefits" ordinance.

"It's about respect, dignity, justice," said Council President Dennis Hession, who sponsored the measure and won enough yes votes to override any potential veto by Mayor Jim West, who has previously said he's against the measure.

... During testimony, supporters said extending benefits was a matter of workplace equity. Opponents warned that such steps undermine the institution of marriage and put government in the position of condoning alternative lifestyles. Opponents also said the change was against God's will.

"I hate to get God into it," (council member Cherie) Rodgers replied.

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[Erika]

1. Spokane may be trying to rivive itself

It was once known as a sparkling city of the NW but a controlling family and extreme right wingers almost completely destroyed it and its economic basis. Good for Spokane. One of the most beautiful cities in America.

[enigmatic]

2. I lived there for a couple of years in the 90's

beautiful city and (mostly) right-wingers. A city (and place)out of time, in a way..

[Diane R]

3. That's true...we are controlled by one wealthy family.

I live here right now.

We absolutely are controlled by one wealthy right wing family. They own newspapers, television, radio, real estate and can bully anyone who opposes them. The town is right wing because the only news we get is right wing.

[eridani]

4. If it's just one family--

--wouldn't there be a lot of organizing opportunities for a popular majority opposition?

[rpannier]

5. I'm stunned

I went to Washington State University and Spokane was always referred to by my friends as the Biggest Little City in the United States. It was always very conservative. Maybe things have changed since I graduated in 85.

[martymar64]

6. I'm a little surprised

I've lived in Spokane several times over the years (now in Seattle).
Spokane was about as RW as a city could be. The economy there stinks for various reasons, but this is a step in the right direction.

[Erika]

7. Spokane is now a bastion for the far right-wing

with transplants who buy into that. This move is most refreshing.

Maybe people have seen what the corrupt policies of a city government produces and have said enough.