MARRIAGE EQUALITY AT WORK & SCHOOL
Policies, Procedures, and Prejudice
As a new week begins,
workers in the largest economy on earth will have the right to be married to
one person regardless of where they live. More than 1,000 benefits are tied to
marriage so more people may have the potential to increase their well-being. Problem
policies, procedures, and prejudices are likely to persist for many.
1. Changing forms
is no big deal when it comes to the basics unless you use software based forms
permitting only restrictive entry parameters. Of course, those problems will
soon be overcome. Businesses and schools
that operate in multiple states can simplify their employment forms and all the
benefits accorded married employees.
2. Policies that
protect employment status can take longer to revise. In the U.S. people
will be married or single when it comes to many benefits but there are those in
transition. Converting from civil unions to marriage may take time. But the
greater challenge will be to trust an employer. Many states do not protect
sexual minorities from discrimination.
Firing a sexual minority could be seen as a badge of honor by those quick to
assert their rights. The reactions of many politicians and Christians in the
last few days made it abundantly clear they do not like the change in marriage rights
granted by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS). Of course, large companies will
face social retribution if they practice discrimination but smaller firms may not
hesitate—especially in conservative enclaves.
3. Prejudices are
slow to change. Negative attitudes toward ethnic minorities last for centuries
despite changes in laws. Women continue to struggle for equal pay. Coming out
of the sexual closet as married, garners benefits. Coming out is still risky
when a substantial percentage
of the U.S. population does not support same-sex marriage.
4. Party on?
Showers are common for workers getting married or having children. It’s fun to
celebrate events—except for some. Things will change in time. People are
creative and most people want to be nice and get along. But it will take some
thought. When it comes to social skills, many folks are clueless—perverse
without a purpose.
5. Religious
organizations won’t change anytime soon. Just take a look online at how
many people of color head a U.S. church or religious organization. Churches are
largely segregated in the U.S. Take a look at women for a second example. Even
those groups that changed their policies to welcome women as equal to men in
leadership roles have few women in high leadership positions. Religious organizations
and schools are free to conserve their traditions. Think exemptions. Think integrated and segregated congregations and schools.
6. Will the Hobby
Lobby factor limit change? I wonder how many businesses might consider
becoming religious so they can maintain policies based on religious convictions.
SCOTUS found that Hobby Lobby was able to maintain a contraception policy based
on the religious convictions of its owners. SCOTUS
blog.
7. Sexual harassment programs
ought to include same-sex scenarios. The few I have seen over the years were
heterosexist. Schools and work places need to be safe from sexual harassment.
Women are not safe in the military
or on U.S. campuses.
How will sexual minorities be safe?
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