Burress, Citizens For Community Values Vow Lawsuit To Derail Cincinnati Domestic Partner Benefits: Sees Marriage Amendment Violation

Is Burress Blustering Or Will He Fight?

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Phil Burress tells supporters the City Council's move to grant benefits to Cincinnati employees in same-sex relationships will be met with litigation.  He is seeking contributions to back up his tough talk.  It could be a real threat, or a bluff to grab attention.  Burress and Citizens for Community Values wrote the 2004 Marriage Amendment, which passed statewide and gave a boost to former President George W. Bush's reelection campaign that year.  Burress says, "We will head to court, if necessary, and we ask for your continued prayers and support as we protect the definition of marriage throughout the state."

Democratic Councilman Chris Seelbach, the city’s first openly gay council member, has circulated a motion that would require city administrators to study granting domestic partner benefits.  Seelbach had promised to introduce the measure within 100 days of his Nov. 8 election.  Eight council members have signed on to support his push.
 Seelbach says providing healthcare and other benefits isn't solely about doing the right thing for couples in long term same-sex relationships.  Seelbach says the move could help the city attract residents because lesbians and gays won't feel unwelcome or discriminated against.The Daily Bellwether has the complete text of the e-mail Burress sent to CCV members today:


"There is a new push from within Cincinnati City Council to offer special rights benefits to city employees' domestic partners. Councilman Chris Seelbach plans to introduce a motion tomorrow, January 11, and has the support of all council members except for Charlie Winburn. In addition to the devastating moral implications, these benefits contain legal and financial flaws. The benefits in consideration violate the 2004 Marriage Amendment, which passed in Ohio with almost 62 percent of the vote: 

Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.  This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage.

"The benefits also add strain to Cincinnati's already out-of-control budget. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Columbus estimated a similar legislation would cost about $650,000 last year. Please read the complete article here."