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 Passing D.C. Domestic Partner Bill Benefits Apply to Residents and D.C. Government Employees Needle Exchange Programs are Not Funded -- Will Cost Lives |
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Compiled by GayToday
Unfortunately, Congress stripped the bill of language that would have allowed local funds to go to District needle exchange programs, HRC said. "We find it reprehensible that many people will unnecessarily be put at risk because the latest scientific and medical advice that clearly shows that needle exchange programs are effective and save lives is being ignored," said Stachelberg. "With the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the nation, the District needs to pursue an aggressive, targeted prevention program. Yet the District is the only locality in America that is prohibited from using federal and local funds to support needle exchange programs." Congress also allowed the bill to include an amendment that would limit the use of any funds to issue, implement, administer or enforce any order invalidating the policy of the Boy Scouts of America regarding the employment or voluntary service of gay or lesbian troop leaders. "We are disappointed that Congress has elected to interfere with an ongoing judicial process and erode the local decision-making authority of the District of Columbia," said Stachelberg. In 1992, Congress approved the D.C. Health Care Benefits Expansion Act, giving domestic partners of District employees access to health benefits purchased at their own expense. But for nearly a decade, Congress has blocked the District from using any local or federal funds to implement the law to expand health care benefits for domestic partners. The District now joins 113 other municipalities and states nationwide that offers domestic partner benefits for their public employees. Once enacted, the D.C. Health Care Benefits Expansion Act of 1992 will: Require all health care facilities in the District, including hospitals, convalescent facilities or other long-term care facilities, to allow domestic partners visitation rights at their facilities. Create a program that allows domestic partners in the District to register as such with the mayor's office. Allow registered domestic partners, if one of them is an employee of the District government, to purchase health insurance at their own expense for his or her domestic partner. It would also allow employees of the District to take sick leave to care for a domestic partner or bereavement leave to make the funeral arrangements for a domestic partner. HRC tracks private and public employers that have implemented domestic partnership benefits. Private companies, including General Motors, AT&T and Phillip Morris and many other Fortune 500 companies, have implemented these programs for their employees. One hundred thirteen cities and counties nationwide have also provided these benefits for their employees. For detailed local information about a specific district and state, see http://www.hrc.org/worknet/dp/index.asp. HRC is the nation's largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. HRC effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at and safe at home, at work and in the community. |
