Ozark fire board won't extend same-sex benefits

Ozark, Mo. (AP) — Although a majority of its members supported the proposal, the Ozark Fire Board will not extend same-sex benefits to a female captain and the woman she married.

The board decided Tuesday that it did not have the authority to change the department's policy after the board's attorney, Todd Johnson, said the Missouri Constitution doesn't allow the action because it defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

The Springfield News-Leader reports about a dozen people testified about the proposal Tuesday, equally split between opponents and supporters.

The female captain, Andi Mooneyham, had sought the benefits after marrying her partner in another state.

Three of the five board members supported her request but said state law did not allow them to vote on the issue.

Information from: Springfield News-Leader, Springfield, MO.

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The Gayly – September 3, 2014 @ 9:35am