Minn. House panel backs unpaid leave for samesex partners...

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.kxmb.com/News/222830.asp

Mar 26 2008 5:45PM
Associated Press
Minn. House panel backs unpaid leave for same-sex partners Eds: APNewsNow.

ST. PAUL (AP) A House panel has voted to recognize same-sex couples by giving state employees unpaid time off to care for an ailing partner.

The House State Government Finance Division added the provision to a state agency spending bill on a divided voice vote.

The proposal would allow state employees to take up to five unpaid days off each year to care for a significant other. For purposes of the provision, significant others are defined as unrelated adults in a committed relationship who live together and are responsible for each other's basic welfare.

Various efforts to recognize same-sex partnerships have run into consistent opposition from Governor Tim Pawlenty.

CROSS posted in LABOR.

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Unpaid leave. Who wants to bet that married couples get paid? n/t