AL: GOP Lawmaker Trying to Block Same Sex Benefits at State Universities

An Alabama legislator is picking up support for his bill to stop the state's public universities from offering employee benefits to same-sex couples. Rep. DuWayne Bridges, R-Valley, said he has prepared a bill for the legislative session beginning in January. The bill would prohibit public universities from receiving state funds if they offer benefits to same-sex partners. "I don't think universities should waste money by making a liberal or politically correct statement," Bridges said. His bill is aimed at two campuses of the University of Alabama System, which Bridges said are ignoring the intent of a 2006 amendment to Alabama's constitution that banned same-sex marriages. The University of Alabama at Birmingham on Oct. 1 began enrolling eligible adult domestic partners of either sex of faculty and staff in medical, dental and vision plans. The University of Alabama in Huntsville will extend benefits to domestic partners Jan. 1. Full Story from the Gadsten Times: http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20091114/APN/911142030

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