New York City eyes partner mandate. (New York bill calls for domestic partner benefits)

Councilman seeks to copy controversial San Francisco rule

NEW YORK - Lawyers for the New York City Council have been asked to draft a domestic partner benefits ordinance similar to the one San Francisco adopted late last year.

The New York bill's backer, Councilman Tom Duane, D-Manhattan, wants the New York bill to be modeled on the San Francisco ordinance that requires city contractors to offer their employees domestic partner benefits equal to the spousal benefits provided.

At the same time, controversy over San Francisco's ordinance, which becomes effective in June, continues to build.

Mr. Duane expects a draft of the New York ordinance to be completed within two months. After that, the bill will be introduced to the council for assignment to a committee and debate, which Mr. Duane predicts will occur by summer.

"This is another step towards equality for people who are not allowed to be married or choose not to be married, primarily the lesbian …