An interesting side note to the introduction of state sanctioned same sex marriages in Massachusetts is that many companies are going to drop domestic partner benefits, since they were created largely for gay couples. It will be interesting to see if there is any backlash to those moves, as retention of same sex domestic partner benefits would extend the “rights” of gay couples beyond those of heterosexual couples. [Ed: Private insurance is not a civil right so I’ve quoted the word rights to reflect the muddled usage that is sure to ensue]
In theory. this cut in benefits will lead to an increase in the number of gay couples getting married, if only to retain their benefits. Ironically gay couples who forgo marriage may be worse off, from a benefits perspective, than they are now.
By that measure, the application of the new law by private companies will certainly be a “defense of marriage.”
I worked for a company thatoffered ‘domestic partner’ benefits. I had a domestic partner (of the opposite sex). They were smart enough not to deny the same privilege to a heterosexual couple, but I do know that United Airlines wasn’t.