This is encouraging. This bill would force private companies working within the city to provide benefits for their employees that have a same-sex partner. Bloomberg said he would veto it, but now the council has enough votes to override his veto. The only party concerned is the Roman Catholic Church who is one of the beneficiaries of Bloomberg's faith based initiative in the city.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
http://www.365gay.com/newscontent/111403nyBenefits.htmNew York Revives Benefits Bill
by Doug Windsor
365Gay.com Newscenter
New York Bureau
New York City) New York City council has revived the Equal Benefits Bill. Gays and lesbians Thursday packed a hearing to show their support for the legislation which would require large companies doing business with the city to provide benefits to the domestic partners of their employees.
The legislation had languished for months as supporters lobbied council members. Councilwoman Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan), the chief sponsor, says the bill now has 36 sponsors, two more than needed to override a mayoral veto. Councilman Robert Jackson (D-Manhattan), who heads the Contracts Committee, assured supporters that "it's not going to be long" before the bill is passed.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is opposed the bill. Last year he told gay-rights activists that trying to "use the city's procurement dollars to advance social issues is just counterproductive."