While reactions have been mostly positive after the Faculty Senate approved same-sex health benefits for ISU faculty, some aspects of the decision are a cause of concern to some members of the ISU community.

“I was happy to see [the Faculty Senate] endorse the recommendation of the benefits committee,” Interim President Richard Seagrave said of the decision, which was made Tuesday night.

Seagrave said the bill’s approval is appropriate for Iowa State. “It sends a signal that [the university] is fair – treating people fairly regardless of how we feel about the matter,” he said.

Seagrave said after a July Board of Regents meeting that Iowa State had a desire to move forward on a similar measure already being talked about at the University of Iowa.

“The Board of Regents gave their approval to a bill supporting same-sex health benefits,” said Jim Hutter, associate professor of political science.

In conjunction with the bill, the ISU Faculty Senate formally disapproved an affidavit the university requires individuals to sign in order to prove a couple’s relationship as domestic partners, Hutter said. Some members said this is an invasion of privacy.

ISU religious organizations said they understand the fairness issue related to the bill, but do not condone the relationships.

“I don’t approve of same-sex couples,” said David Hymann, president of Cyclone Bible Fellowship.

Although the Catholic Church does not approve of those who are “morally wrong,” they do support the fundamental rights of every citizen, said Father Jim Hayes of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 2210 Lincoln Way.

Hutter said the bill allowing health benefits for same-sex couples has brought up a debate about benefits for other dependents. He said the Senate is now considering other measures that would allow benefits for domestic partners of the opposite sex or elderly parents who may be cared for in their children’s homes.

Seagrave said the new bill will now be reviewed by the Professional and Scientific Council.

Hutter said allowing same-sex partners the same health benefits opposite-sex partners have had for years is what has been added with this bill.

“The issue has been around for many years. Same- and opposite-sex partners have had medical benefits since 1993,” he said. “Just same-sex partners have not been paid for with university funding.”