DC Domestic Partnership funds restricted.
-Bob Summersgill

Washington - The U.S. House of Representatives voted 251-177 to
restrict the District of Columbia from implementing the Domestic
Partnership Law on June 30, 1993.

Rep. Istook (R-OK) after failing in committee to defund
implementation of the DC Domestic Partnership law, introduced an
amendment to the D.C. Appropriations Bill banning the use of any
funds to implement the law.

Rep. Istook called the law a "Gay Marriage Law" and condemned it
on that basis.

Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) in supporting the amendment said "You
know, it now excludes married individuals and singles who live
alone.  That is kind of discriminatory, I would say."

Rep. Pelosi (D-CA) responded "The legislation provides for
certain health Benefits to District employees, their partners,
and their families.  The reason it does not include families is
because families are already covered and did not need to be
addressed by the legislation.  I call that to the gentleman's
attention."

Rep. Pelosi further condemned the amendment for interfering with
D.C.'s home rule.  The District is not a state, has no voting
representation in the Congress, is subject to congressional whim,
and does not enjoy democracy.

The Domestic Partnership law, officially known as the Health Care
Benefits Expansion Act of 1992, was passed in 1992 by the D.C.
Council on a vote of 10-1 and signed by the Mayor.  Congress did
not at that time overturn the law, and has not attempted to do so
since.  A similar amendment to the D.C. Appropriations Bill last
year prevented implementation at that time.

Mayor Sharon Pratt-Kelley established a procedure before the
funding restrictions took effect, allowing registration via
return receipt mail and forms created by private organizations.
Currently, the only benefit to registration is hospital
visitation rights.  D.C. employees who register under the law
would be able to extend their health care insurance to their
partner and his or her family at the employee's expense.

A second, procedural vote was held and again the amendment
passed 253-167.

The Senate will be considering the D.C. Budget in the near
future, but the restrictions are expected to pass there as well.
President Clinton has veto power, but is not expected to use it.


- Bob Summersgill         |  If we can put a man on the moon, why can't
  XE605C @ GWUVM.GWU.EDU  |  we put a man on the moon? -- Bill Engfer