St. Petersburg police could soon offer same-sex health benefits

The city of St. Petersburg is about to extend same-sex health benefits to police officers.

According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, officers will vote on the new labor contract on Monday.

If the contract passes, the St. Petersburg Police Department would become the third major law enforcement agency in Tampa Bay to offer same-sex health benefits.

The passage of the contract could pave the way for similar benefits for the rest of the city's employees.

Mayor Bill Foster said offering these benefits makes fiscal and business sense for the city. He also said, "It's the right thing to do."