...roots of domestic partnership go back to 1981, when San Francisco considered legislation to provide benefits to unmarried couples. “Domestic partners” soon became a legal term used by private and public employees to extend benefits to an employee’s unmarried partner of the same sex. In 1982 The Village Voice in New York City became the first private employer to offer domestic partnership benefits. In 1995, Vermont became the first state to offer domestic partnership benefits to its public employees. In 1997 Hawaii became the first state to offer domestic partnership benefits to all same-sex couples throughout the state. (Clifford) The first domestic partnership ordinance--implemented in Berkeley, California, in 1984--provided official acknowledgment of the unions of same-sex couples, at a time when legal marriage did not exist elsewhere. There are currently 5 states that allow same-sex couples to marry. In date order, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and New Hampshire. As of March 3 2010 the District of Columbia now recognizes gay marriage. (William) This is a very important ethical issue in business. Although most employers are not required to offer benefits to all of its employees, it is hard for the employers to decide to give domestic partners any benefits or even to give the domestic partners all of the potential benefits, and one example would be life insurance. One of the bigger issues for the companies is if they do not offer the benefits, they might...
Words: 898 - Pages: 4
...Name Instructor Houston English 205 September 2, 2013 Gay in America In today’s society Gay men and women have to fight for everything, including the right to marry and have a baby. Gays face many challenges which include a job, a loved one, a family; the right to life, liberty and justice, all these rights are given to all but Gay people. I ask you; is this fair; are Gays not people to? Sometimes even before a gay person comes out they get teased, ridiculed, punished, assaulted and you wonder why some people try to hide it. For a Gay person it can be a constant struggle, just to live and be happy. Everything in a gay person life is a challenge, they must fight for everything. A person that is born has no choice on who they are or what sex they find attractive. Being gay is no different then being attracted to the opposite sex. ABC News reports, “Northwestern University psychology professor Michael Bailey has spent years studying human sexuality. He says sexual orientation is something people are born with, and this orientation makes some gay men more feminine” (1). Yet we blame and punish the families of these gay people. We even try to limit Gay people’s rights. Society believes that being gay is wrong and disgusting. Dr. Berggren claims that “It has long been asserted, primarily by various religious and politically conservative groups, that homosexuality is detrimental to the well-being of any society in which it occurs” (1). Being gay cannot...
Words: 2069 - Pages: 9
...Sexual Orientation Discrimination Introduction to Human Resources Management HR 353 2/25/2011 Matthew D. Hall Instructor: Joyce Willhite Sexual Orientation Discrimination “I believe all Americans who believe in freedom, tolerance and human rights have a responsibility to oppose bigotry and prejudice based on sexual orientation (King).” This quote by Coretta Scott King is how the workplace should feel about discrimination against those who have a different sexual orientation. Sexual orientation discrimination is a rapidly growing issue in today’s workplaces. Just like sex, age, and race discrimination it is becoming one of the major issues that is present in the workforce. With the growing news media issues like gay marriage and “Don’t ask don’t tell”, this is becoming another one of the areas employers are and have been discriminating against workers. There are many state laws to discourage this type of discrimination, but as of right now there is not a federal law that protects against sexual orientation discrimination. I am sure in time there will be some form of federal protection, but only time will tell. As part of the Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender (LGBT) family, I have seen firsthand how this discrimination has and continues to negatively affected people’s lives. When people are singled out for any reason and discriminated against, it makes me think “are we really in the land of the free?” Just as Ms. King’s quote stated, if we believe in freedom...
Words: 1880 - Pages: 8
...Bobby Flashman Flashman 1 January 22, 2012 CEP # 1 Gay Marriage in Washington The controversy of gay marriage has always been an issue, whether mentioned in the confines of a home, a school or even, as stated by David Masci, the hallways of the U.S. congress, white house and courtrooms. As times change and generations pass, gay and lesbian relationships are becoming more acceptable, but that does not mean the problem is completely solved. Gay marriage has been legalized in six states as well as the District of Columbia, while twenty nine states have passed a constitutional amendment prohibiting same sex marriage in that state (Masci). Each side of the argument is very black and white. Either you believe that there is no right to tell someone they cannot be legally bonded with the one they love. While the counterpart, mostly religious aspects, is that it is not morally right for two members of the same sex to be together. Whether or not gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to wed is only part of the problem. The other issue at hand is whether the law should be decided by a peoples vote, or by a proposition to legislature by the Governor. Most states rest this choice with the people, deciding the content of their states constitution themselves. But the Governor also has the power to decide if their state is mature enough to be passed, though it would still not be a for sure thing. In the midst of this budget crisis in Washington State, there is also talk...
Words: 1018 - Pages: 5
...Brad Sears Christy Mallory OCTOBER 2011 Economic Motives for Adopting LGBT-Related Workplace Policies Introduction This study evaluates the economic impact of corporate non-discrimination and benefits policies by analyzing the extent to which economic reasons motivate corporations to adopt such policies. The past decade has seen a large increase in the number of corporations adopting LGBT-related workplace policies. In 1999, 72% of Fortune 500 companies included sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies, and only a handful included gender identity.1 By 2009, 87% of such companies included sexual orientation and 41% included gender identity in their non-discrimination policies.2 Over the same time period, the percentage of Fortune 500 companies offering domestic partner benefits increased from 14% to 59%.3 This study reviews statements issued when adopting such policies by the top 50 Fortune 500 companies and the top 50 federal government contractors. Since companies began to adopt these policies, and state and local governments began to amend their laws to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, arguments have been made that the requirements are costly and burdensome for private businesses. As recently as May 2011, the Tennessee legislature repealed an ordinance passed by the city of Nashville requiring city contractors to include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policies.4 The Tennessee Chamber of...
Words: 4464 - Pages: 18
...of Adding Domestic Partner Benefits COMM/215 February 3, 2011 Without a doubt, in a little more than a decade, domestic partner benefits have gone from virtually nonexistent to the predominant plan among the largest U.S. employers. More than 51 percent of Fortune 500 companies offer Domestic Partner Benefits; these employers have found an added greater value for them at minimal cost.Studies reveal employers who offer Domestic Partner Benefits are able to attract talented employees, increase employee morale, and experience low or minimal increase in cost. This research paper will reveal the Values of offering domestic partner benefits as well as address the Cost associated with it. Can Be Used to Attract Talented Employee Competitively: The value of offering domestic partner benefits is that it can be used as a powerful recruiting tool as well as to help retain talented and committed employees, according to the League of Minnesota Cities. Studies suggest that employees make decisions about job offers based on domestic partner benefits. Very skilled and highly trained workers may hold out for a company that offers domestic partner benefits. A benefit package that appeals to a diverse workforce gives employers an edge when it comes to recruiting. Also, there is value in the statement that offering the benefits makes about your company's acceptance of domestic partner relationships. Employee Enrollment is Minimal: While there is value in offering domestic partner benefits...
Words: 1953 - Pages: 8
...Adding Domestic Partner Benefits COMM/215 February 3, 2011 Dr. Blue Without a doubt, in a little more than a decade, domestic partner benefits have gone from virtually nonexistent to the predominant plan among the largest U.S. employers. More than 51 percent of Fortune 500 companies offer Domestic Partner Benefits; these employers have found an added greater value for them at minimal cost.Studies reveal employers who offer Domestic Partner Benefits are able to attract talented employees, increase employee morale, and experience low or minimal increase in cost. This research paper will reveal the Values of offering domestic partner benefits as well as address the Cost associated with it. Can Be Used to Attract Talented Employee Competitively: The value of offering domestic partner benefits is that it can be used as a powerful recruiting tool as well as to help retain talented and committed employees, according to the League of Minnesota Cities. Studies suggest that employees make decisions about job offers based on domestic partner benefits. Very skilled and highly trained workers may hold out for a company that offers domestic partner benefits. A benefit package that appeals to a diverse workforce gives employers an edge when it comes to recruiting. Also, there is value in the statement that offering the benefits makes about your company's acceptance of domestic partner relationships. Employee Enrollment is Minimal: While there is value in offering domestic partner...
Words: 1948 - Pages: 8
... Thesis statement II. What is Domestic Partner explained by law a. Regional/State Laws b. Federal Law c. Defense of Marriage Act III. Cost Analysis of Benefits a. Cost to Employer b. Cost to Employee IV. Pros and Cons of offering Domestic Partner Benefits a. Employee benefits b. Company Gains V. Conclusion Wal-Mart (WM) is the largest retailer in the world and operates in all 50 states. Recently passed laws that allow same sex marriage couples to marry legally and this has caused the company to reevaluate its domestic partner benefit offerings. Studies done by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) also show that 62% of fortune 500 companies offer domestic partner benefits to their employees. (Hoenig, 2013) Wal-Mart must continue to be at the front of employee relations and it will be necessary to cover all employees, regardless of lifestyle, in order to maintain those relations. It is important that we define what Domestic Partner is as defined by the government. The Office of Personnel Management states, "For purposes of ensuring consistent implementation of the President’s memorandum, a “domestic partner” is defined in OPM regulations (e.g. 5 C.F.R. § 875.213) as a person in a domestic partnership with an employee or annuitant of the same sex. The term “domestic partnership” is defined as a committed relationship between two adults, of the same sex, in which the partners— (1) are each other’s sole domestic partner and intend to remain so...
Words: 1684 - Pages: 7
...a compelling reason not to extend to gay’s equal marriage rights. (Time Magazine: A Brief History of: Gay Marriage, Alex Altman Thursday, May 22, 2008). The ruling prompted Congress to push through the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which prevented homosexual couples from receiving benefits traditionally conferred by marriage. Twenty-seven states have passed constitutional bans on gay marriage, while just 10 have granted rights to homosexual couples. A lot of people may not approve of this topic but it’s all about how you look at it. Opponents of same-sex marriage may argue that the concept is oxymoronic (contradictory). One might say marriage must involve a man and a woman because that is the definitional essence of marriage or because it’s the modem Western nation-state has structured society around the assumption that only different-sex marital unions are allowed. Me, I agree with same sex marriages, I believe people should be able to express their sexuality whether or not it’s gay or straight. Proponents of same-sex marriage dispute and often ridicule these assertions. With same sex marriage there’s a lot of down falls people look at, far as raising a child, benefits each one has, or what happens when a significant other dies in some cases. “In 1989, most Americans had never even heard of gay marriage, and certainly couldn’t conceive that it would one day be legalized by popular vote” (Here Comes the Groom: Sullivan, Andrew). In the...
Words: 1007 - Pages: 5
...Recognition Ethnic and Cultural Awareness Abstract Gay and lesbian individuals alone have faced an array of discrimination issues, but as the fight for fair treatment goes on individually, their fight for their rights and respect in being recognized as having legitimate relationships is the ultimate battle. A number of states, countries, cities, and other governmental units have adopted policies that extend certain rights and privileges usually reserved for married couples to unmarried couples as well (Newton, 1994). These include the right to register one’s relationship to be included in a partner’s health benefits package and to be able to have a leave from work in case of death or illness of one’s partner (Newton, 1994). Since governmental units are now allowing these benefits to unmarried heterosexual couples’, gay and lesbian couples feel that their domestic partnerships should be recognized and allowed the same. Table of Contents Title Page 1 Abstract 2 Introduction – Overview of discrimination issues 4 Same-sex Marriage and Relationship Recognition 4-6 Parenting and Adoption 6-7 Cultural Awareness & Working with Same-sex Couples 8 References 9-10 Discrimination Issues Discrimination is a negative part of society that many gay and lesbian individuals try to avoid by keeping their sexual orientation hidden, but this adversely affects personal relationships, as well as, the individual. Coming out...
Words: 1593 - Pages: 7
...that marriage should not be denied to same sex couples because marriage is no longer viewed in our society as being for the sole function of procreation. It no longer matters if a couple has children or not, so why should whether or not a couple can have children be a stipulation that keeps the right to marry from homosexual couples. Sullivan finally asserts that marriage is an emotional commitment by two people for life, and that it requires sacrifice, commitment, and responsibility. He argues that by that definition one cannot believe in equality for all and still believe that homosexuals should not be allowed to marry. In his essay Sullivan also introduces and argues the point, one that comes from the conservative side, that domestic partnerships undermine the idea of marriage. Many cities across the United States recognize relationships that...
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
...families, social structure, and public health. Being such a controversial issue, there are many important reasons for and against legalizing gay marriage. Marriage is more than just marrying someone you want to be with the rest of your life. It entitles you to financial benefits and financial responsibility. Being married provides legal safeguards for the spouse, including pension, legal rights to property of deceased, and many other rights. Should law prohibit same gender couples from enjoying the benefits of being married? It also creates a legal relationship between the couple and the state. There is no reason why neither the federal government nor any state government should restrict marriage to a predefined heterosexual relationship. Over time marriage has changed drastically. The women in the family are not longer just a spouse, but now an equal partner. Society’s changes have been felt in marriages for decades now as rates of divorce have increase because of these changes. Same- sex marriage to be legalized is promoted by same-sex activists in many countries around the world. During the past few decades there has been an increase of legal aid to same- sex marriage which has included many benefits. Partial legal status has been given to many same- sex relationships in many European nations. The European Parliament also has passed a resolution calling for equal rights for gays and lesbians....
Words: 560 - Pages: 3
...Benefits of Offering Domestic Partner Coverage For companies to be competitive and diversified in the marketplace today, many are offering domestic partner benefits. Companies need to embrace the new world of opportunities in the workplace and marketplace, and be adamant to be the best. Some jurisdictions have set up domestic partnerships as a way to recognize same-sex unions, domestic partnerships may involve either different-sex or same-sex couples. Recent controversy has surrounded same sex domestic partner benefits since same sex marriages are not recognized by the government. Companies that recognizes a critical ingredient of success is the ability to value and leverage diversity-that is, the power of the people. Domestic Partners have been defined as legal or personal relationship between individuals who live together and share a common domestic life but are not joined in a traditional marriage, a common-law marriage, or a civil union. The phrases domestic partner was first used to describe living arrangements in 1985 according to The American Heritage Book of English Usage. The values range from being recognized as a culturally diverse company to attracting talent that would likely go to another company for the benefits. The problem has been health, dental, vision, pharmacy, long-term care, personal accident insurance and life insurance benefits are being offered to employees and their dependents, but not to domestic partners. With the increasing cost of medical...
Words: 2263 - Pages: 10
...the relationship between married and cohabiting couples has become less patriarchal, or male-dominated, and much more an equally balanced partnership. Both partners share household chores, childcare and decision-making, and both partners are more likely to be involved in paid employment.” Applying material from Item B, and your knowledge, evaluate the view that contemporary families have become partnerships of equals. (20 marks) There are many evaluation points to the view that contemporary families have become partnerships of equals. I am going to focus on the four main points of the domestic division of labour, gender inequalities, power and the ‘dark side’ of family life. The sociologists Young & Wilmott (1973) support that contemporary families have become partnerships of equals. This is because they believe that the family is a ‘symmetrical family’, where the family have joint conjugal roles. Consequently, domestic labour is divided equally between the husband and the wife of the family. Additionally, Kan et al (2009) agree with Young & Wilmott (1973) as he found that the time spent on housework by men in the 1960s was 90 minutes per day, whilst in 2004, men spent 148 minutes per day on housework. However, both the sociologists Oakley (1974) and Craig (2007) challenge that contemporary families have become partnerships of equals. Oakley (1974) believes that there is patriarchy in the family, where the men see the housework as ‘her work’ so the family isn’t...
Words: 1020 - Pages: 5
...decisions and whose liability is limited to the amount of their investment. Joint Venture Joint Venture acts like a general partnership, but is clearly for a limited period or a single project. If the partners in a joint venture repeat the activity, they will be recognized as an ongoing partnership and will have to file as such, and distribute accumulated partnership assets upon dissolution of the entity. Advantages of a Partnership Partnerships are easy and inexpensive to establish. With more than one owner, there would be no difficulties in raising fund. Shared responsibility. The tax consequences are less as your profits are recorded directly onto your personal income tax return (no double taxation). Potential employees may be attracted to the business if given the incentive to become a partner. The business usually will benefit from partners who have complementary skills. Disadvantages of a Partnership General partners have unlimited liability. Partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners. Profits must be shared with others. Since decisions are shared, disagreements can occur. Some employee benefits are not deductible from business income on tax returns. The partnership may end upon the withdrawal or death of a partner. Corporations A corporation is different from a sole proprietorship or a partnership in that a corporation is separate statutorily created legal entity from the people who manage, own, control, and operate it...
Words: 1720 - Pages: 7
