The University of Rochester is extending benefits coverage to the domestic partners of its employees. The coverage will apply to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples (see statement below).

The UR announced last year that it planned to stop offering benefits to domestic partners following New York's passage of the Marriage Equality Act. UR of administration later said it was reviewing its coverage plans.

LGBT advocates have urged employers to continue offering benefits to domestic partners even though same-sex marriage is legal in New York, because there are many reasons why some couples may choose not to marry.

President Seligman's Statement on Benefits for Domestic Partners

"The University of Rochester is extending benefits coverage to all domestic partners of its employees. This coverage will include opposite-sex as well as same-sex domestic partners.

"Last July's passage of New York's Marriage Equality Act prompted the University to review its benefits programs for domestic partners and their dependants. The new policy will cover all qualified domestic partners as of July 1, 2012.

"This approach to our benefits policy reflects our University's fundamental commitment to diversity and to fairness for all of our employees regardless of sexual orientation. We made this decision because it is consistent with our core convictions. We believe that this is the right thing to do.

"All faculty, staff, and retirees will receive details about the new policy in the coming weeks."