WHEREAS:
AFSCME has numerous members who live in alternative households, in committed relationships with shared responsibilities and expenses, such as households headed by gay and lesbian couples or by unmarried couples of different sex. The U.S. Census Bureau has reported a significant increase in such households in the past decade. Today 11 million Americans live with an unmarried partner, either in same-sex or different-sex relationships; and
WHEREAS:
In 1990, there were fewer than two dozen U.S. employers that offered "spousal equivalent" benefits to their employees' domestic partners. AFSCME led the way to obtain spousal benefits for domestic partners in the public sector by successfully fighting for contracts that provide such benefits. In growing numbers, both public and private employers across the country have recognized domestic partner benefits as an inexpensive way to address the changing needs of working families, including alternative and non-traditional families, and promote fairness and equality in the workplace; and
WHEREAS:
Public support for resolving the economic problems facing same sex couples has increased. A recent poll by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation showed that a majority of Americans believe that gay and lesbian couples should enjoy the same economic benefits that legally married spouses enjoy; and
WHEREAS:
There are numerous benefits, rights and privileges which are provided in federal tax and benefit law based on marital status. One such benefit is the exclusion of spousal health benefits from an employee's taxable income, which is not extended to same-sex partners and unmarried partners in committed relationships; and
WHEREAS:
Family and medical leave laws do not cover a domestic partner or family member of a domestic partner; and
WHEREAS:
U.S. immigration law allowing citizens to petition for their partners to immigrate to the United States does not apply to members of the gay and lesbian community.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME reaffirm its support for health benefit coverage for domestic partners on a non-discriminatory basis; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME support federal legislation which would extend the exclusion from an employee's gross income for employer-provided health coverage to an employee's domestic partner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME work for passage of legislation that would extend the benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act to domestic partners and other relatives involved in the care and support of family members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME support passage of federal legislation that would modify the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their long-term partner for immigration purposes; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME encourage locals to negotiate domestic partner benefits for all members.
SUBMITTED BY:
Thomas Paine Cronin, President and Delegate
AFSCME Council 47
Pennsylvania