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| Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich has not said much publicly about gay issues since
winning the 2002 election but he articulated several anti-gay positions in a
recent constituent letter. (Photo by AP)
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HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
By: JOE CREA COMMENTS
 
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that domestic partnerships are “vague
and non-binding” noting that “the requirements for registering
as a domestic partner in order to get benefits are often far more stringent
than for marriage.”
“Many employers require the employee to sign a legally binding statement
attesting to the existence of the partnership,” Furmansky said. “That
affidavit can be used for exact repayment from any employee who fraudulently
receives domestic partnership benefits.”
According to a Washington Times article in October 2003, Ehrlich said that
he would veto attempts to extend domestic partner benefits to the same-sex
partners of state employees.
Joe Zuber, vice president of the Maryland Log Cabin Republican Club, whose
group endorsed Ehrlich four days before his election in 2002, said at the time
that Ehrlich has taken up gay-friendly positions in the past.
As a member of the U.S. Congress, he voted to oppose an amendment that would
have denied D.C. employees the right to purchase health insurance for domestic
partners. Additionally, Ehrlich had a non-discrimination employment policy
that protected gay employees in his congressional office.
But while in Congress, Ehrlich did not support the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination
Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.
And he was against a federal hate crime statute that would have included protections
for sexual orientation.
Zuber did not respond to Blade inquiries by press time.
In the letter, Ehrlich wrote, “While I personally do not condone the
promulgation of homosexual and bisexual activities, I have sworn an oath of
office to represent my constituents and thereby to respect the broad diversity
of Americans regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
and other distinguishing characteristics.”
“What does promulgating homosexuality mean, what is that?” Madaleno
asked.
“I don’t know if I’m for promulgating homosexuality … what
does that mean?”
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