Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center Scores Key Ruling In Challenge To Government's Denial Of Insurance Benefits To Same-Sex Couples

On January 18, 2011, the federal district court in Oakland denied a government request to dismiss a class action lawsuit filed by gay and lesbian state workers and their partners who are excluded from equal participation in a state-run long-term care insurance plan.  Zelle Hofmann attorneys Dan Mason and Patrick Clayton are co-counsel to the Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center in the matter.  The ruling marks a significant victory because the court determined that the Constitution does not permit the government to deny insurance enrollment to the same-sex spouse or registered domestic partner of a state employee, when it allows enrollment for a wide array of other family members.  The case, which is garnering national attention, will now proceed to the class certification stage.  For further information about the case, please click here to visit the Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center's website.