September 10, 2007
Pennsylvania to Family: Tough Noogies
Pa. Unemployment Benefits Law Discriminates Against Gay Couples Court Told
A Pennsylvania appeals court is examining whether the state’s unemployment benefits law discriminates against same-sex couples by denying people the right to file claims when they follow their partners out of state.
When a married person leaves the state with their spouse who is relocating for work or other reasons Pennsylvania allows the partner to file for unemployment benefits.
Last year Joan Procito filed for benefits when she moved with her same-sex partner Mary Jo Sheller to Florida where Sheller’s partially disabled son was about to begin college.
The state’s Unemployment Compensation Board of Review rejected Procito’s claim and she filed a lawsuit charging discrimination.
Her attorney, Katie Eyer, argues that Procito and Sheller have emotional and financial ties and that Procito has a step-mother relationship to Sheller’s son.
The Unemployment Compensation Board argues that it is not treating Procito and Sheller differently from unmarried opposite-sex couples.
Yes, you are treating Procito and Sheller differently from unmarried opposite-sex couples; you’re demanding they get married, when they can’t. Unmarried opposite-sex couples can… remember?
See also:
Lesbian seeks unemployment after move
Filed under: Marriage, Pennsylvania
