11/18/2008
Puerto Rico Bans Discrimination Against Same Sex Couples
"Puerto Rico's outgoing governor said Monday he has prohibited government agencies from discriminating against same-sex couples, but the governor-elect indicated he will reverse the measure to avoid higher expenses for health care. The executive order by Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila allows unmarried couples who work for the government to apply health benefits to their partners, whether they are gay or heterosexual. 'What I have done is simply broaden these definitions so more people are covered, and it doesn't cost the government of Puerto Rico anything because if the person wants to include somebody they have to pay more,' Acevedo said...The governor's order also forbids government agencies from discriminating generally against people based on sexual preference, gender identity, and other factors."
Said Governor-elect Luis Fortuño: "We are not going to introduce anything that there isn't money to implement."
More here.
In June, a measure defining marriage between a man and a woman in Puerto Rico failed when it did not make it to the House floor for a vote.
Posted 5:30 PM EST by Andy Towle in Discrimination, Gay Rights, News, Puerto Rico | Permalink
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