Chattanooga, Tennessee may soon become the third city in the state to provide health benefits to its domestic partners, Nooga.com reports:
The City Council voted 5-4 Tuesday evening to approve the Extended Benefits and Equity Ordinance, proposed by Councilman Chris Anderson. The legislation extends health benefits to the domestic partners of city employees, including those in same-sex relationships. A second legislative component adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's nondiscrimination policy.
"I'm excited that our city took a great step toward equality and fairness for all our employees," Anderson said to reporters after the vote. "It's a great day for Chattanooga."
Mayor Andy Berke issued a statement Tuesday evening that praised the City Council's decision.
"In the 21st century, we must ensure we attract talented employees and remain competitive with local, regional and national employers," Berke said. "That means hiring employees based on merit and offering a benefits package that retains and recruits the very best employees possible."
Another vote, expected to be 5-4 again, must be taken next week for the proposal to become law.
