Phoenix mayor comes out against state amendment to ban same-sex marriage

[Sapphocrat]

Smart guy -- he's broaching the subject from a financial point of consideration!

Plus, it sounds to me that the way the prop is worded, passage of this anti-gay amendment may invalidate contracts between all unmarried couples, as well -- in the same way Virginia's rabid anti-gay legislation has resulted in catching hetero couples in the anti-gay net...

Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon is opposing an Arizona constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, saying its prohibition of domestic-partner benefits could hurt the city's ability to recruit talented employees. Gordon said Tuesday that if the city of Phoenix cannot offer health insurance to the domestic partners of its employees, it could jeopardize the city's "ability to compete against the private sector or other cities" as the city grows rapidly. Phoenix currently provides the benefit to 176 employees.

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Proposition 107 would amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriages, which are already illegal under state law. It also bars political subdivisions of the state - such as cities, counties, universities, and school districts - from recognizing any relationship similar to marriage, such as civil unions or domestic partnerships.

Though proponents skirted the issue early in the campaign, they now acknowledge that the measure would also invalidate domestic-partner benefits now in place across the state. Peter Gentala, legal counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy, which is backing the proposition, said the measure has "a single, common purpose, and that is protecting marriage from contemporary challenges."

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More:
http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2006/08/23/2