D.C. Nonprofit Bans Spouse Benefits after Same-sex Marriage Legalized

March 4, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is no longer allowing employees to enroll their spouses in its benefit package in response to to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia.

Business Insurance reports that the change does not affect coverage for any spouses already enrolled in benefits. A spokesman said the ban also does not extend to dependent children.

"The change to our benefits package allows us to remain in compliance with District of Columbia law; adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church on marriage, defined as solely between a man and a woman; and allow us to continue our partnership with the district in serving more than 68,000 people last year in need," the spokesman said, according to Business Insurance.

The move does not affect benefits offered by other Catholic Charities offices, which operate independently.

The District of Columbia’s Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act, which expands the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples, took effect Wednesday after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge of it.

Rebecca Moore
editors@plansponsor.com