New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. supports Intro. 137, the Equal Benefits bill, which would require contractors conducting business with the City of New York to extend benefits to the domestic partners of their employees.

"The City of New York has a responsibility to conduct business with companies that respect the basic rights of all of their employees," Thompson said.

Thompson's Office testified on Intro. 137 at the New York City Council's Contracts Committee hearing at City Hall on November 13 th . Under current law, the domestic partners of New York City employees are entitled to receive the same benefits as spouses.

"Much like City employees, the companies covered under this bill employ those who provide essential services to the City," Thompson said. "They deserve the same rights and privileges as City employees."

"Any business that cannot or does not wish to abide by the City's standards should not be doing business with the City. This legislation sends a strong message to private companies seeking to win contracts: make it your business to offer equal benefits, or you won't do business with the City of New York . Passage of this legislation would mark an important step forward in the fight for equal rights for all people.