LAGUNA BEACH : Packard Opposition to D.C. Bill Riles City

With South Laguna soon to be part of Rep. Ron Packard’s district, the city is taking issue with the congressman over his opposition to a “domestic partners” bill for the District of Columbia.

The bill allows unmarried adult cohabitants to register with the district so health-care benefits can be extended to the partner, similar to a law already on the books in Laguna Beach. A resolution opposing the bill, which was co-sponsored by Packard (R-Oceanside), died at the committee level.

Laguna Beach officials have jumped into the fray, saying it is inappropriate for Packard to oppose protection for unmarried couples when a similar law is working effectively in Laguna Beach. If reelected in November, Packard will represent a portion of Laguna Beach.

“It’s like he is slapping us right in the face,” Mayor Robert F. Gentry said.

A letter signed by all Laguna Beach council members asking Packard to rescind his co-sponsorship of the resolution was mailed to the congressman on Monday.

In 1990, Laguna Beach extended employee health-care benefits to the partners of city employees who were not married. Earlier this year, the city approved a law allowing unmarried couples to register in Laguna Beach as “domestic partners” to gain some of the rights allowed to married couples.

Carole Suarez, a press aide for Packard, said the congressman opposed the district bill because “it is a costly, discriminatory piece of legislation which effectively taxes married couples on behalf of unmarried cohabitants.” In addition, she said, Packard “believes it is a direct assault on the institution of marriage and seeks to institutionalize behavior which does not represent mainstream American values.”

But Gentry said Laguna Beach council members hold an opposing point of view and want to talk to Packard about how domestic partner laws have benefited their city.

“It’s obvious to me the gentleman is not informed on the brand-new, complex changes in valid relationships,” Gentry said.