Wednesday, August 7, 2002
North Carolina town denies extension of domestic partner benefits to employees
A story released today by WRAL.com reports that town leaders in Apex, North Carolina had to interpret the differences between domestic partner and roommate in regards to a town law.
Town Manager Bruce Radford said an old law that banned roommates from working for town agencies needed to be scrapped. The original idea for the law was to prevent nepotism. On Tuesday, the town voted to allow roommates to work for the same agency, however, domestic partners are not allowed.
In addition under the new plan, domestic partners will not be allowed to take a sick day if their partner is sick.
"We are not extending benefits to domestic partners," Radford said.
However, town commissioner David Meckes said the new policy is wrong and anyone should be allowed to take a sick day.
"It is the most basic common courtesy to take a sick day if that a friend or loved one in need, [then] they be allowed to do so," he said.
