Monday, September 30, 2002

A story published today by the Washington Times reports that family groups in Maryland are upset with Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's support for extending benefits to same-sex partners, while same-sex rights groups in the state say they would like to hear more from her Republican opponent, Rep. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., about his views on the subject.

Mrs. Townsend, the Democratic nominee for governor, recently expressed support for granting benefits to same-sex domestic partners of state workers. She said while she would want to wait until the state's economic outlook improves before taking the step, "down the line, I think it makes sense."

Erin Leveton, chairman of Free State Justice, a Silver Spring-based homosexual rights group, said Mrs. Townsend had been vocal in her support of homosexual rights issues such as equal benefits for state employees, but the group had not heard anything from Mr. Ehrlich.

"It is a little scary because we don't know where he stands," she said.

Last year, Maryland became one of 12 states to pass a law protecting homosexuals from discrimination. The law prohibits discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation in housing, employment and public accommodations, though it includes a statement that it is not to be construed as legitimizing homosexual "marriage."

The Republican candidate said that while he opposes discrimination, he would not propose legislation to extend benefits to same-sex partners or to legalize same-sex unions.

"I think you have to be careful with regard to policy that impacts marriage," Mr. Ehrlich said. "I am a strong proponent of the institution of marriage, and I did vote for the Defense of Marriage Act.

"My view is this: Leave people alone, particularly in their bedrooms. It's not the government's business," he said. "I feel equally strongly that the institution of marriage ... should be protected."

In July 2000, Vermont created a "civil union" status that gave homosexual partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. Vermont has since issued more than 4,200 "civil union" certificates to homosexual couples, about 80 percent of whom came from other states.

Nationally, about 4,500 employers offer health benefits to domestic partners, about two-thirds of those to homosexual as well as heterosexual couples. The vast majority of those employers are private companies, nonprofits or unions — only nine are states and 134 are municipalities.