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07/09/2007
UPS helps us (a) send our Ebay packages, (b) prove our points
So we've certainly bitched and moaned about the legislative action. And there is even a commission set up to study the disparities that might exist between the two systems. But you know the biggest way to show the New Jersey legislature that their choice to implement civil unions rather than full marriage was not fair and equal (which is what the Supreme Court mandated)? Well, to actually see the inequality implemented in the state, natch.
This from the AP:
United Parcel Service has denied health benefits to some same-sex couples in New Jersey, a decision gay rights advocates say starkly illustrates the limitations of the state's civil unions legislation.
The company provides health benefits to its employees' spouses, including married gay couples in Massachusetts. However, it said the Garden State's decision to recognize same-sex relationships as civil unions, rather than marriages, has tied its hands.
In a letter to Gabriael "Nickie" Brazier, a driver for UPS, and her civil union partner, Heather Aurand, the company concluded that "New Jersey law does not treat civil unions the same as marriages." It said if the state had done that, Aurand could have been included in the health coverage plan as a spouse.
Ah, New Jersey's civil unions system: Bastardizing the concept of full equality since 2006.
Due to issues like the one presented by UPS, it's clearly only a matter of time before Trenton will have no choice but to bump their gays up to fully married. Personally, this writer thinks all of the lawmakers who circumvented their actual required duties should be forced to officiate the ceremonies themselves!!
Health care coverage woes show limitations of civil union law [AP via NJ.com]
Technorati Tags: gay marriage, New Jersey
Your thoughts
Thanks soooo much for the post! The title stopped me in my tracks and inspired quite the outburst of laughter.
This development may, in fact, have the impact to create the end of "marriage light". I'm so glad that Steven Goldstein and Garden State Equality (along with the myriad other fighters in the battle for 100% marriage equality in New Jersey) are so well organized and prepared to capitalize on this blatant inequity's exposure.
What an opportunity to say to the legislature: "Heeeeeeeeeeere's yer siign."
There is no gray area in equality!
Thanks so much for the post!
Posted by: MW Savant | Jul 9, 2007 3:23:48 PM
...FedEx it is, then.
Posted by: Marie S | Jul 9, 2007 5:24:15 PM
In the understandable rush to condemn NJ politicos for not having the guts and integrity to go all the way, UPS is getting a free pass for not simply and easily changing their own policy to include the civil unioned, the domestic partnered, whatever, which, rather than acting as an amicus queerie, as it were, or corporate advocates for gay MARRIAGE, they are simply trying to save money by denying as many employee partner insurance benefits as they can for as long as they can. YES, rub this in NJ's face, but don't forget to bitch slap and boycott UPS at the same time.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Jul 9, 2007 7:16:10 PM
Michael: I'm trying to get a few ore facts on the UPS situation. Stay tuned.
Posted by: G-A-Y | Jul 9, 2007 7:17:21 PM
It seems mind-numbingly odd that this dichotomy didn't come to light sooner in Vermont or Connecticut, where civil union legislation was already in effect.
What I don't get is how DP benefits got left out of the union contract to begin with. That's a potential black eye for the Teamsters, for failing to get this provision in place (UAW workers at GM/Ford/Chrysler now have DP benefits). They have a GLBT caucus ( http://www.teamstersglbt.org/ ) -- it would be interesting to see what their take on all of this is.
Posted by: George | Jul 11, 2007 4:35:16 PM
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