Video: Starkville Aldermen Remove Plus-One Insurance For Unmarried Couples

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — In a 4-2 vote the Starkville Board of Aldermen amended the plus-one insurance option for city employees to extend only to legally married couples.

The board room at city hall was crowded Tuesday night as residents voiced their opinion and listened to the discussion among city leaders.

When the plus-one policy was originally passed, it was seen as a victory for gay rights.  Under the old coverage homosexual and straight employees in a relationship with a significant other could have opted to pay for insurance coverage for their partner.

Some aldermen told Mayor Parker Wiseman they felt deceived and didn’t trust him because plus-one wasn’t properly explained. Wiseman told them they should have asked, and he believes in his heart the additional coverage was the right thing to do.

“This is affecting people in my congregation. It’s affecting neighbors and friends. Our American way of life is separation of church and state, so one group’s religious belief can’t infringe upon the rights of anyone else, ” said Pastor and resident Bert Montgomery at the board of alderman meeting Tuesday night.

Robert Buckner added, “Got to reflect who God is not just a part of him. He’s love but he is also holy he’s righteous and he’s just.  So, all of that has got to be considered when we make those kind of laws.”

Wiseman reportedly plans to veto the vote.