A Joint Call To Action from the ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri, the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of Greater Kansas City (LGCCKC), Four Freedoms Democratic Club, and PROMO

Recently, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners sent a Memorandum notifying all Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD) employees that Domestic Partner Insurance benefits have been discontinued at the KCPD effective immediately.  While the Board of Police Commissioners claims the discontinuation of Domestic Partner benefits will save the Department over $400,000 for 8 insured domestic partners, it is unjust to balance the budget at the expense of same-sex couples.  Revoking Domestic Partner Benefits at the Kansas City Police Department is out of sync with Kansas City values. 

We need you to contact the members of the Board of Police Commissioners and ask them to reinstate Domestic Partner Benefits!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to request that you reinstate Domestic Partner Benefits for the Kansas City Police Department.

During these difficult economic times, I understand it is necessary to make budgetary cuts. However, making budget cuts at the expense of same-sex couples is unjust and unfair. Ending DP benefits is disproportionately discriminatory toward LGBT employees who do not have the legal option of marriage as an avenue to receive benefits. In a time when so many individuals and couples are challenged in finding competent and affordable healthcare, domestic partner health insurance benefits are critical to the health and productivity LGBT employees and their families.

Kansas Citians, our City Council, our Mayor and countless public and private employers have made it clear that fairness and equality for LGBT employees is a Kansas City value. I urge you to reconsider your position and reinstate domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples at the Kansas City Police Department.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 22, 2009