Voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington approved the legalization of same-sex marriage in their states. In addition, voters in Minnesota rejected a state constitutional amendment to define marriage as an opposite-sex union. The outcome of these referendums adds complexity to the options and obligations of employers in providing benefits for employees’ same-sex spouses and partners.
Voter referendums on same-sex marriage will be on the November ballots in four states: Maryland, Washington, Maine and Minnesota. The outcome of these referendums may complicate the options and obligations of employers in providing benefits for employees’ same-sex spouses and partners.