Friday, July 11, 2003

Commission gives OK to same-sex benefits

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to pass a resolution that gives benefits to same-sex companions of employees in Certified Committed Relationships.

The resolution also provides some privileges to all Fulton County residents in Certified Committed Relationships with same-sex companions.

As approved, the resolution, sponsored by Commissioners Robb Pitts and Nancy Boxill, defines the term "Certified Committed Relationship" as two people of the same gender in an exclusive committed relationship, living together in one home, who are "mutually interdependent."

Vice Chairman William "Bill" Edwards and Commissioners Boxill, Pitts, and Tom Lowe voted in support of the resolution. Chairman Mike Kenn and Commissioner Emma I. Darnell voted against the resolution. Commissioner Bob Fulton was not at today's meeting.

Any eligible employee or resident of Fulton County can certify their committed relationship by filing a form with the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners. Forms will be made available within 30 days. The resolution also provides procedures for terminating Certified Committed Relationships.

Benefits extended to employees' eligible companions include coverage under Fulton County health, vision, and dental insurance plans and eligibility related to sick leave, funeral leave, and annual leave. The Fulton County Pension Board was directed to conduct a study of the possible financial impact of this resolution on Fulton County Pension plans within 120 days.

Privileges extended to non-employee residents of Fulton County who are in a Certified Committed Relationship include visitation rights to their companions in jails and hospitals, and eligibility with their companions for other applicable Fulton County programs.