ACLU protests vote rescinding partner benefits

INCLINE VILLAGE -- The American Civil Liberties Union is protesting a local governmental agency's vote to rescind health care insurance benefits to domestic partners of employees.

Lee Rowland, northern coordinator for the ACLU's Nevada chapter, said her organization will consider its options if the Incline Village General Improvement District board fails to rescind its Feb. 25 vote.

The board is scheduled to review the issue at a meeting Wednesday night at the request of board member Bea Epstein, who was on the losing side of the 3-2 vote.

The action reversed a similar board vote last August in favor of offering domestic partner benefits.

Rowland said the latest vote was a blow against domestic partner equality.

"To actively decide to turn back the clocks and take away life from them, it's tragic," she told the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. "We wish the board will reconsider this and do the right thing."

Chris Eddelson, state legislative director for the Human Rights Campaign, said he also was disappointed with the vote.

"It's not a big cost issue, but it does matter to the employees," he said.

"Taking away these benefits in a time of economic crisis doesn't make much sense."

After the vote last month, board Chairman Ted Fuller said he voted to rescind the benefits because of the need to cut costs and the potential for abuse.

Board member John Bohn said he again voted against the benefits because he doesn't think the north Lake Tahoe community supports them.

But Epstein said there was insufficient discussion before the vote. She has said she thinks the board can make an "ethical judgment without being moralistic" about employees' marriage choices.

Bill Horn, the district's general manager, said its legal counsel will assist board members at Wednesday's meeting, but that they are not required to take action.

According to the district, the latest vote affected only two district employees and saved the district about $1,500 in expenses this fiscal year.