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One of Ohio’s largest counties plans to offer health coverage to the partners of its gay and unmarried employees.

Franklin County commissioners in Columbus voted unanimously on Aug. 18 to extend domestic partner benefits beginning Jan. 1. Those eligible will include the live-in partners of any of the county’s 5,300 workers.

Union leader Marianne Steger says the county’s unions have been asking for domestic partner insurance for more than a year. She says the benefit is important from a fairness standpoint, and for recruiting.

Ohio State University, the Columbus public schools and most Fortune 500 companies now offer domestic partner coverage.

Commissioner John O’Grady said some may disapprove of the vote but it was the right thing to do.

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch,

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Ohio