Ohio village stands against anti-gay State amendment

RESOLUTION:

VILLAGE OF YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO

RESOLUTION #2005-XX

Whereas, Article XV, Section 11 of the Constitution of the State of Ohio is anti-family and threatens the legal, financial, physical, and emotional stability of many individuals and family units in Yellow Springs by eliminating rights, benefits, and protections for all unmarried couples, including:

• Seniors living together to protect pension benefits
• unmarried couples seeking to jointly own property
• disallowance of some contractual rights
• people who receive health benefits from domestic partner plans
• unmarried women seeking maternity leave
• unmarried persons' rights to leave property to a partner

creating an overall milieu of anguish and doubt as to the abilities of same-sex couples to provide for each other and their children in emergency, routine, and legal situations because of denied recognition and protection

Whereas, it is against the Village practices and policies of inclusiveness and nondiscrimination

Whereas, this amendment was overwhelmingly voted down by a local majority, and infringes upon the separation of church and state by imposing moralistic beliefs on civil liberties; possibly violates the Ohio Constitution's single-subject

Whereas, this amendment could contribute to the continued decline of the local economy by inhibiting established employers from recruiting and retaining a stable, qualified workforce; discouraging potential new businesses from considering local investment; discouraging qualified individuals from maintaining or obtaining local residency.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL FOR THE VILLAGE OF YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO HEREBY RESOLVES THAT:

Section 1. We, the Village Council of Yellow Springs, Ohio, acting in the spirit and history of our community, do hereby request that:
Local law enforcement will continue to work within residents' self-recognized family relationships and to support family members' rights to protect and care for one another in routine and emergency situations; Local institutions, such as emergency services, schools, banks, insurance providers, employers, and churches commit to do the same;

Section 2. The Village Council of Yellow Springs, Ohio hereby goes on record in opposition to Ohio State Constitution Article XV, Section 11, adopted as Issue 1 in the November 2004 election.