San Francisco Expands Domestic Partner Policy
Unrepentant San Francisco politicians voted unanimously Monday to expand the city’s domestic partners policy despite congressional pressure that may have already cost the city millions of dollars.
The ordinance, which Mayor Willie Brown says he will sign, will make San Francisco the nation’s only city requiring businesses to offer domestic partners the same customer discounts that are offered to married couples.
Most city businesses that might be subject to the law, such as gyms, car rental companies and insurance agencies, already comply. Still, supervisors are determined that the city set a standard for human rights.
“Banning discrimination is no new concept,” said county Supervisor Mark Leno. “We’re talking about inalienable rights here.”
The vote came despite what gay rights advocates are calling an anti-gay campaign in Washington.
Less than two weeks ago, the House voted 214 to 212 to block the city from receiving federal housing money because of its year-old Equal Benefits Ordinance, which requires businesses with city contracts to extend health benefits to its workers’ partners.
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