City employees in Annapolis will be able to include same-sex domestic partners on their health plans starting July 1, Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announced Tuesday.
Annapolis joins several jurisdictions across the state that grant benefits to same-sex partners. The announcement comes amid reports that the federal government will issue regulations this week ordering businesses to provide gay employees with equal family and medical leave.
"The change will create a more equitable work environment and help make the city more competitive in attracting top talent," Cohen, a Democrat, said in a statement on Annapolis benefits.
Same-sex domestic partners must submit an affidavit affirming that they live together and are in a relationship. The coverage includes medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits. Benefits will not be available to opposite-sex, unmarried couples.
According to the civil rights group Equality Maryland, about a dozen government entities across the state offer the benefits, including Montgomery and Howard counties, and the cities of Baltimore, College Park, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and Takoma Park. Domestic partners of state employees are also eligible for benefits.
Annapolis plans to withhold coverage costs from employees' before-tax earnings. However, the federal government does not recognize domestic partnerships, so employees will likely have to pay some federal income taxes on premiums, a city spokesman said.