San Francisco Supervisor Faces Backlash Over Equal Benefits Repeal Proposal

San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who is openly gay, has proposed repealing the city's Equal Benefits Ordinance, a 1996 law requiring companies contracting with the city to provide same-sex domestic partners with benefits equal to those of married heterosexual couples. Dorsey argues that the law is outdated due to the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 and that its repeal would save the city money by expanding the pool of eligible contractors, potentially lowering costs through increased competition. He cited data indicating only 45% of large U.S. firms currently offer domestic partner benefits, which limits competitive bidding and raises costs for taxpayers. Dorsey’s proposal has sparked significant criticism from LGBTQ advocates and some former city supervisors, who warn that marriage equality remains vulnerable and that the law is still important amid ongoing anti-LGBTQ political challenges. The debate highlights tensions between fiscal concerns and protections for LGBTQ rights, with Dorsey seeking further analysis on potential savings while the community expresses concern over the symbolic and practical impact of weakening the ordinance.