TENNESSEE: Knoxville Mayor Orders City To Offer Domestic Partners Benefits

Saying that she does not need the permission of the city council to do so, Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero has ordered the city to expand domestic partner benefits to LGBT employees of the city.  

"Last year, we expanded our employee nondiscrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This change in our benefits ensures that we are treating everyone fairly," Mayor Rogero said. "It will help us attract and retain the best City of Knoxville employees, regardless of their domestic situation." City officials with Chattanooga and Nashville are considering the change, as well. To be eligible for domestic partner benefits, an employee must fill out an affidavit about their committed relationship and show proof of financial interdependence. The city cautions that non-married couples, domestic partner benefits may be treated as taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service, so they encourage employees to research it and consider the tax implications.

RELATED: In August, the Tennessee town of Collegedale became the first in the state to offer domestic partner benefits. Knoxville is the second. (Tipped by JMG reader Mike)