Give it up for New Jersey and UPS

Many people have argued that the “separate but equal” status granted under most civil union legislation is inherently unfair and unequal. Those people have a point. One need only to look back to the Jim Crow South to find examples of injustice based on the “separate but equal” doctrine.

I, however, see the current trend favoring civil unions as but one incremental step to full civil marriage. As I am not gay, it is a whole lot easier for me to accept the half-a-loaf situation and be patient for society to come around this point of view. That is why the story about UPS and Governor Corzine is so important.

After persuasion from New Jersey's governor and attorney general, UPS Inc. said Monday it would extend health insurance benefits to the civil union partners of gay New Jersey employees covered by a union contract.

The policy change has to do with New Jersey's civil unions law, which took effect in February, and seeks to give gay couples the same rights in the state as married couples.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine sent Atlanta-based UPS a letter July 20 asking the shipping company, also known as United Parcel Service, to change its stance. The letter was on behalf of a UPS driver and her partner.

I see this as a sign that the public can and will support homosexual marriage one day. It just may to take a while to get there. I believe that each time a company or civic leader strives to level the inequality between marriage and civil union, that is one more entity unwilling to make the distinction. This is how full equality will be achieved; by opening one mind at a time.