Con-servative launches vicious attack on univ. domestic partner benefit

[kevinbgoode]

You know, as a gay American who is pretty active about reviewing media content over these past two years, I've learned to get a fairly thick skin about some of the outrageous (and often mythical) things said about us by certain wingnut public officials and the "religious" Right. But after reading this little developing scandal in the Lexington Ky. Herald-Leader, it is increasingly obvious exactly what the agenda is for these wackos - complete demonization of our lives and identities.

I would encourage any DU'er in Kentucky to write this sorry-ass excuse for a state representative and give him a sharp piece of your mind. . .and if it moves you, to find the local newspaper (or the Lexington paper) and demand this asshole be censured. I am sick and tired of these "con-servatives" being allowed to say anything they like but the rest of us are suppose to just calmly absorb all the hate and vile behavior - because it is never...NEVER going to end. They won't be satisfied. Ban gay marriage? They get that. . .then they have to ban gay parenting. Then no gay benefits voluntarily offered by a university. How much longer before they ban gays on the street, or force them to wear a goddamned pink triangle? Well, maybe not so long, at least in Kentucky. . .because this guy makes a PUBLIC STATEMENT saying the state doesn't want "those people" moving there. . .

Benefits expansion at U of L criticized
CONSERVATIVES MAY SEEK TO BAN DOMESTIC PARTNER COVERAGE
By Brandon Ortiz
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
Social conservatives were angered yesterday by the University of Louisville's announcement that it will begin offering health benefits to the heterosexual and homosexual partners of unmarried employees.

Some lawmakers promised to pursue legislation to reverse the plan, announced Thursday, and warned the University of Kentucky against following suit.

"I think it undermines families," said state Rep. Stan Lee, R-Lexington. "It's a public university ... that is using taxpayer dollars to support and promote a lifestyle that the overwhelming majority of people in this state don't agree with."

In Lexington, the University of Kentucky is considering domestic partner benefits as part of a comprehensive review of faculty and staff compensation, spokesman Jay Blanton said. The human resources department is studying the issue and is expected to make a recommendation to UK President Lee Todd this fall.

Blanton said UK's decision won't be swayed by political pressure.

"We certainly respect the opinions of legislators very much, but I don't think there are political considerations with respect to this decision," Blanton said.

Ok...so far we have the typical wingnut talking points on this issue - giving an unmarried couple a health benefit is going to "destroy" families...then get this part:

State Rep. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, welcomed the news, and urged UK to quickly follow. Stein said U of L was wise to act in the summer, six months before the General Assembly reconvenes.

"I think it will give time for folks to cool off," she said. "I wish (UK) would go ahead and get it done so (both universities) could stand together to withstand any 19th-century attacks."

She harshly criticized a comment state Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park, made Thursday to The Courier-Journal of Louisville.

Roeding told the newspaper that partner benefits are "very repulsive" because "I don't want to entice any of those people into our state. Those are the wrong kind of people

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15044637.htm


Don't get me started on what I think is repulsive. . .