The California State Senate passed the Unemployment Benefits Act (AB 2055) yesterday in a 23-11 vote. The bill seeks to ensure that same-sex couples in California have access to unemployment benefits. Previously approved by the State Assembly, the bill was introduced by Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D-South Gate) and sponsored by Equality California.
“Because domestic partnerships are not the same as marriage, the California legislature took another necessary step toward eliminating discrimination against same-sex couples,” said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California. “The Unemployment Benefits Act will provide same-sex couples in committed relationships who plan to register as domestic partners equal access to benefits that affect the wellbeing and security of their families.”
Currently, heterosexual couples who are planning to marry are eligible for unemployment benefits if one of the partners loses his or her job. This bill would extend the same rights to same-sex couples planning to enter into a domestic partnership.
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