Is a civil union recognized in employment benefits?

The answer to the question is: yes, a civil union is recognized in employment benefits in Washington. According to the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), employers may offer benefits to the same-sex partners or domestic partners of employees through a civil union. The OIC does acknowledge that some employers might want to provide benefits to employees in a civil union even in cases where the law does not require them to do so. However, the OIC also notes that a civil union is not the same as a marriage and it does not carry all the same legal rights as a marriage. As such, it is important that employers understand the differences between a civil union, which grants certain privileges, and marriage, which offers certain legal rights. Employers should also note that the rights associated with a civil union may vary by state. Employers should be sure to check their state laws to ensure they are offering the right benefits to employees who are in civil unions. Employers should also understand that they may face some legal consequences if they do not provide the same level of benefits to employees in a civil union as they do to employees in a marriage. For example, employers may be held liable for discrimination if they do not offer the same benefits to same-sex partners of employees as they do to heterosexual partners of employees. In summary, a civil union is recognized in employment benefits in Washington. Employers should understand the differences between a civil union and marriage, as well as the legal consequences they may face if they discriminate against employees in a civil union.

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