Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Law Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

University of Kentucky

Selected Works

2007

Sexual Orientation

Articles 1 - 1 of 1

Full-Text Articles in Law

Corporate Domestic Partner Benefits, James M. Donovan Jan 2007

Corporate Domestic Partner Benefits, James M. Donovan

James M. Donovan

Despite the common use of the term domestic partner, it remains unclear what that term means either in identifying a specific individual or in its relationship to the status of marriage. Is it a temporary substitute based on equity, or a challenger looking toward social reform? Because these positions are mutually exclusive, domestic partner benefits activists must clarify what it is they hope to achieve.

The justification for withholding equitable compensation tends to fall back on the federal DOMA and ERISA laws, which unquestionably complicate the benefits terrain. But experts agree that while these federal laws may serve as a …