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December 09, 2004
Same, Not More
Some Massachusetts corporations are dropping their insurance coverage of 'domestic partnerships' since the state's Supremes upheld same-sex marriage.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's Goodridge decision, which legalized same-sex "marriage" as of May 17, "leveled the playing field," said Candace Quinn, vice president of Baystate Health System, which employs 90,000 people.
The Goodridge decision changed everything for same-sex couples, she said, and because Baystate doesn't offer domestic-partner benefits to unmarried heterosexual couples, it created an unfair situation for them.
Logical, yes, but some activist groups aren't too happy.
"There is no reason to terminate domestic-partnership policies immediately," Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) said in a report.
Many homosexual couples have good reasons not to "marry" — tax liabilities, potential job losses if they are in the military, potential rejection as adoptive parents — said GLAD, whose lawyers won the landmark Goodridge case.
Funny, except for the last one, those sound like the same reasons some heterosexual couples have not to marry. And I'm not so sure the 'potential rejection as adoptive parents' is a legitimate concern. One of the factors judges look at when making an adoptive placement is the stability of the existing familial relationships of the potential adoptive parent(s). Therefore, married couples generally have a distinct advantage over single parent placements. (Though I can certainly understand if one lives in a state that generally doesn't allow gays to adopt, one certainly wouldn't want to advertise one's sexual preference.)
But I digress. I really don't see the reason for the complaints about the insurance coverage. I support the right of homosexual couples to receive the same rights as heterosexual couples. But they are only entitled to the same rights, not more.
If you say you want to be treated like everyone else, then don't complain when you're treated like everyone else.
Posted by Rita at December 9, 2004 06:21 AM
Comments
"If you say you want to be treated like everyone else, then don't complain when you're treated like everyone else."
You, dear Rita, are wise beyond words.
Posted by: Jim - PRS at December 9, 2004 07:47 AM
Shoot, I'm not wise, just stating the bloody obvious.
Posted by: rita at December 9, 2004 07:53 AM
I have same-sex health coverage for Fred, thanks to my firm. But if I could get it via a legal marriage to him, I would in a heartbeat. (I'm not at all convinced that the Mass. thing is legally stable yet, but that's neither here nor there.)
I'm fully convinced that most gay folk need a good boot to the head.
Posted by: Keith at December 9, 2004 04:09 PM
It's good that your company offers it. I'm like you, the Mass. thing won't be legal until the US Supremes either rule or deny cert.
I've known a couple that needed a good kick somewhere.
Posted by: rita at December 9, 2004 05:33 PM