To the Editor:
I read the article regarding the benefits being extended to same-sex and unmarried heterosexual couples. The article would have us believe that we all have equal access to the same benefits, but we do not.
The fact of the matter is that married heterosexuals get their partners and families covered with pre-tax dollars. Unmarried heterosexuals and same-sex couples’ family benefits are paid for and that cost is passed along to the employee as income and then taxed (as stated in Sec. 152 of the Internal Revenue Code).
Married couples are not required to produce a marriage certificate, but same-sex and unmarried heterosexual couples have to have their relationships validated by the UMS by virtue of the partnership affidavit. The documentation provides information to the UMS on “financial interdependence,” which is a joint checking account, jointly held mortgage, credit cards, or a “partnership contract.”
Here’s the scoop on domestic partnership Benefits: two-year co-residency requirement; responsibility: common welfare, share financial obligations, as evidenced by two of the following: Domestic Partnership Agreement/Relationship Contract; joint mortgage or co-ownership of primary residence; two of: joint ownership of a motor vehicle, joint checking account, joint credit account; joint lease, Domestic partner is beneficiary of employee’s will, retirement contract or life insurance.
Many people reading this will think that these are not terribly difficult hurdles to overcome and that we should be happy to get what we have gotten. People within the broad spectrum of relationships will say we should take what we can get, excited by the possibility of benefits previously not available to us.
I am struck by the fact that it feels like once again we are settling for what’s offered and not getting what’s needed. What I want is this: health benefits allocated fairly across the board.
I should not have to pay a penalty based on whether I have a certificate of marriage or not and the strength of my relationship is not measured by the amount of financial interdependence my partner and I share. We all strive for the same things: get the mortgage/rent paid, medical care when we are sick, food to eat, and a place to call home. Everything after that is icing on the cake.