Here's the situation - my main responsibility at work is benefits administration for the staff. I also serve as the same for a few clients. One client has a domestic partner rider on their health plans. The plan covers the partner & dependent children of said partner.
Even tho, I can't do anything about it, I have a problem with this.
We all know (whether anyone publicly admits or not) the domestic partner provision came about to recognize long-term homosexual couples who cannot, by law, be married. This I do understand & don't have a problem with. I do, however, have a problem with people who can, by law, be married, but refuse do so (for whatever reason) but want to partake in the privileges of lawful heterosexual union, such as employer benefits.
Don't be fooled into thinking the provision will allow you to show up in HR and add your long-term partner to your benefits simply by signing on the dotted line. It's a little more difficult than that.
Considering you have to prove your long-term partnership - proof of co-habitation (shacking up) for at least 5 years, joint financial responsibilities (i.e., bank accounts, debts, property ownership, etc.), would it not be easier head down to the courthouse & get married?!
Again, the same sex couples have no other option so I have no problem assisting them, but the hetero couples are pissing me off. Just get married already, damn.
Again, I'm biased, so I might be in the minority.
