Weber State extends benefits to same-sex couples

Weber State extends benefits to same-sex couples

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OGDEN — Weber State University announced Friday it would be extending benefits to the legal spouses of employees in same-gender marriages.

The university made the announcement in an email sent to the campus community. The decision came in response to District Judge Robert Shelby's ruling that the ban on same-sex marriage in Utah was unconstitutional. It also follows the guidance of the school's insurance agency, said university spokeswoman Allison Hess.

"We are following the law as it is now in Utah," she said.

Weber State University, along with many other state schools and agencies, participates in the state's Public Employees Health Program. The PEHP announced public employees with same-sex spouses can apply for benefits following the ruling by Shelby.

Couples who were legally married in Utah or other states can receive benefits from the PEHP by enrolling and providing a copy of their marriage certificate, which is required for any couple applying for benefits.

“We’re letting the community know about it as they’re coming back for the start of spring semester so they can start making plans, as it impacts their individual lives,” Hess said.

The email was posted on social media, including the WSU Faculty Gay Straight Alliance Page on Facebook. Deadlines and instructions about how to apply for the benefits were given in the email.

Other organizations in Utah have also been making benefits available to the spouses of employees in same-sex marriages. Prior to the federal court ruling, Intermountain Health Care announced they would extend benefits to all married couples starting Jan. 1.

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Natalie Crofts

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