Dick Crofts, state Commissioner of Higher Education, said Friday he rejected the controversial proposal to cover partners of homosexuals not on moral grounds but because of concerns about its legality, financial impact and fairness to other people covered by the health insurance. We're sure that's true, but Crofts certainly dodged the slings and arrows of out raged conservatives by deciding against the expanded coverage. It isn't terribly clear how granting medical coverage to an employee's life partner would threaten the institution of marriage between men and women, but so the argument goes. At any rate, Crofts' decision comes as no great surprise, and it really isn't that big a deal. After all, few gay u-system employees would be affected.
Most gay partners have their own jobs, and hence their own health insurance, anyway.
But it does point to the continuing need for legislation that, while not necessarily legalizing same-sex marriage, would at least give all life partners some of the basic rights that most people take for granted. If you wish to receive the newspaper on your doorstep or before this time, please subscribe . Please contact the Web Diva if you want to offer suggestions or need help. Copyright 1996-2000, Helena Independent Record. The information you receive online from Helena Independent Record and AP News is protected by the copyright laws of the United States.