Hamilton, NJ to Vote on DP Benefits

August 3, 2004

HAMILTON - The township council is expected to vote tonight on whether to include same-sex domestic partners and opposite sex partners over the age of 62 in its health benefits and pension programs.

Last month, the state passed the Domestic Partnership Act, which allows same sex partners of state employees to collect health benefits. The law, which went into effect on July 10, also allows unmarried heterosexual couples over age 62 to qualify for benefits.

The council had been expected to vote on the ordinance last month, but it was taken off the agenda.

Township spokesman Rich McClellan said no township employees have yet expressed interest in the domestic partnership coverage.