US: Pennsylvania county cuts off benefits for same-sex partners, unless they are married

A county in the US state of Pennsylvania has cut off benefits for same-sex partners of its employees, unless the couple are married, now that gay and lesbian couples can marry in the state.

Officials in Allegheny County said they were changing the policy to reflect a recent ruling in favour of same-sex marriage in the state.

Previously the county limited benefits to married county employees, but had made an exception for unmarried same-sex couples who were unable to marry because of state law.

Now that straight and gay couples can marry n the state, the county has decided to re-limit benefits to married couples only.

A Pennsylvania judge last week rejected an attempt by a county clerk to appeal against same-sex marriage in the state.

Same-sex marriage was legalised in Pennsylvania following a ruling by Judge John Jones on May 20.

It was cemented as law when the state’s Governor, Tom Corbett, refused to appeal, alongside the Attorney General.

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