House rejects benefits for partners of gay Chicago teachers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois House has rejected a measure aimed at helping gay teachers in Chicago.

The measure involves pension benefits that surviving spouses can collect after a teacher dies. The change would have allowed gay teachers to give survivor benefits to their partners, just as married couples can.

The legislation failed 43-67 Tuesday.

Supporters say the change wouldn't have cost taxpayers anything. Teachers would have paid all costs.

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