Ocean County Freeholders Approve DP Benefits

January 25, 2006

TOMS RIVER — In a 4 to 0 vote, Ocean County freeholders adopted a resolution extending domestic partner benefits to Lt. Hester.

The vote was not unexpected at the 3:30 pm special meeting. Following the vote, civil rights activists who packed the chamber broke into a round of cheers and applause.

The freeholders abrupt change of position followed a series of conference calls involving state Sens. Leonard Connors and Andrew Ciesla (both R-Ocean) and intervention from Gov. Jon Corzine.

Appearing weak, Hester attened the freeholder's meeting against the advice of her doctor. She was in a wheelchair and hooked up to an oxygen tank. A mask covered her face and hands.

Lt. Hester's plight has helped the GLBT community throughout New Jersey, resulting in a at least four other counties and several municipalities passing similar resolutions extending domestic partner benefits to employees. Senator Ciesla has vowed to introduce a bill that would equalize treatment of registered domestic partners and spouses in the extension of dp benefits.

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