BGSU trustees OK benefits for same-sex partners

10/1/2010

BOWLING GREEN — Bowling Green State University trustees Friday unanimously approved a plan that allows employees and their same-sex domestic partners to enroll in the university's medical, dental, and vision plans.

Although the proposal for domestic partner benefits was proposed by BGSU's Administrative Staff Council and the Faculty Senate in 2004 and 2005, trustees had never formally considered the option, which applies only to same-sex domestic partners, not to unmarried, opposite sex partners.

BGSU officials estimate 15 domestic partners would be added to the health plan at a cost of approximately $80,000 a year.

Employees who enroll in the plan, which takes effect Jan. 1, would have to prove among other things that they are financially dependent on their partner.