Resolution Adopted January 10, 2012

The following resolution was adopted by SRW on January 10, 2012:

University of Nebraska Board of Regents

Resolution: 2012-01

TITLE: Opposition to “Employee-Plus-One” Benefits

AUTHOR: Nora Sandine, President, Sarpy Republican Women

REFERRED TO: Sarpy Republican Women

Whereas, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents is considering extending employee health benefits to same-sex and opposite-sex partners that are not legally married and their families; and

Whereas, the recognition of cohabiting partners as spouses conveys a message to college students that marriage is no longer distinguished as a preferable spousal relationship; and

Whereas, the Constitution of the State of Nebraska states: "Only marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Nebraska. The uniting of two persons of the same sex in a civil union, domestic partnership or other similar same-sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Nebraska."; and

Whereas, the Nebraska General Fund is supported by our tax dollars and the University of Nebraska is funded by this source to pay for general obligations such as health benefits; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Sarpy Republican Women stand in defense of the legal definition of marriage as passed by the State of Nebraska, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Sarpy Republican Women oppose the use of our tax dollars to fund health benefits for cohabiting partners and their families, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Sarpy Republican Women ask the University Board of Regents to withdraw their proposal to expand eligibility for participation in the university's health benefits’ program to include employees' partners and their families.

Approved January 10, 2012