POSTED: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 8:09am
UPDATED: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 3:24pm
Opponents vow to bring the issue to voters
City Council voted 7-1 to extend domestic partner health benefits to city employees Tuesday.
Only 45 of 6,100 city employees would qualify for the new benefits package.
The decision applies to gay and unmarried heterosexual partners of those who work for the city.
More than 40 people spoke for and against the proposal during the meeting.
Some of those who oppose it are vowing to start a petition that would put the controversial issue up for vote.
The process would be similar to the way the Stormwater Fee issue was put on the ballot in May.
Opponents need to collect 1,500 signatures on their petition.