Documents

Bloomington Beacon Candidate Questionnaire

Submitted to The Bloomington Beacon October 11, 2007

1)  Support for Bloomington’s inclusive Human Rights Ordinance

If elected, would you support or oppose continued protections for LGBT citizens, as provided in the current Human Rights Ordinance?

Support ___X_                            Oppose ______                                     Unsure _______

Comments:

One of the many reasons I’m proud of my home town of Bloomington is that it has taken a public stand against discrimination through its Human Rights Ordinance.

2) Strengthening the Bloomington Human Rights Ordinance

If elected, would you consider revising the HRO to make it mandatory rather than voluntary to comply with LGBT nondiscrimination protections, following the example of the Indianapolis HRO? 

Yes___X__                            No________                                  Unsure_______

Comments:

I think that discrimination on the basis of LGBT status should be illegal. Compliance with the HRO should be mandatory.

3) Support for the domestic partner benefits policy for city employees

If elected, would you support or oppose the current policy of extending benefits to the domestic partners of Bloomington city employees? 

Support __X__                            Oppose ______                                     Unsure _______

Comments:

Committed life partnerships should be afforded the same legal status, whether they are between same-sex or opposite-sex couples, whether they are between married or unmarried couples.

4) Creating a local Domestic Partner Registry

Because same-sex couples have limited access to legal recognition of their relationship and their families, a domestic partner registry can be used to assist employers who wish to make domestic partner benefits available to their employees.

Would you support or oppose creation of a Domestic Partner Registry for Bloomington?

Support __X___                         Oppose ______             Unsure _______

Comments:

Such a voluntary registry would make it easier to officially recognize life partnerships for employment benefits, hospital visitation, and other legal reasons.

5)  Enacting an Equal Benefits Ordinance

An Equal Benefits Ordinance would require certain city contractors who provide health care benefits to spouses to offer the same benefits to the domestic partners of their employees.  Such an ordinance would be applicable to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Currently, Bloomington does not have such an ordinance.

Would you support or oppose passage of an Equal Benefits Ordinance for Bloomington?

Support __X___                         Oppose ______             Unsure _______

Comments:

I would support such an ordinance provided there is an adequate phase-in period to allow employers to adjust their benefits budgets accordingly.

6) Statement about LGBT Rights (optional)

If you wish, please write a maximum of 75 words on how you will promote a safe, supportive community in Bloomington and throughout Monroe County for all people, including LGBT people and their families. The first 75 words of the answer will appear in public as written.

LGBT rights are civil rights, and Bloomington should continue to be a place where the civil rights of all are guaranteed, where there is an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion. I support organizations such as the Bloomington Beacon which provide resources for LGBT individuals, and hopefully soon a place for LGBT people to meet. It’s important for LGBT individuals who are new to the community or newly out to know where to go for support.

Paid for by Isabel Piedmont-Smith