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Anti-gay measure backfires on El Paso officials, retirees
An effort to block same-sex partners of city employees from obtaining health care benefits has backfired, and may strip benefits from thousands of others, including elected officials and partners of retired policemen and firefighters.
The measure, initiated by a group of conservative Christians aimed at promoting "traditional family values" asked voters last November to limit benefits to "city employees and their legal spouse and dependent children."
So when 55% of the voters approved the measure on Election Day, they eliminated coverage for some 200 people who don't fit that description–among them elected officials, who aren't technically city employees, and many former city workers, the city says.
Now, officials are weighing what to do. Last month, the city council decided not to use its authority to repeal what is now a city law.