MASS. TOWN ENDS DOMESTIC PARTNER BENEFITS: From the Associated Press

Springfield will soon no longer offer health benefits to unmarried domestic partners of city employees now that same-sex couples are legally allowed to marry in Massachusetts.

Mayor Charles Ryan notified the city clerk on Thursday that he has rescinded all prior executive orders allowing unmarried domestic partners to participate in the city's group health insurance program.

Unmarried domestic partners will not be cut off from access to health insurance immediately. Ryan offered a 90-day grace period to become legally married and retain insurance coverage.

Ryan's predecessor, Michael Albano, had issued an executive order giving unmarried same-sex partners and their dependents insurance coverage, the mayor said.

Ryan's move raised concerns among gay marriage advocates, who said it would force gay couples to get married, or put them at risk to lose benefits they are not currently entitled to under federal laws.

"We feel very strongly that it is grossly inappropriate and terribly unfair for any employer to rescind domestic partner benefits until gay people have complete and total marriage rights, which we don't right now," said Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus.

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posted by Eve at 3:37 PM | link

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