© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Publix Will Extend Coverage To Employees' Same-Sex Spouses

Publix at 1181 S. University Dr. in Plantation.
Candace West
/
Miami Herald File
Publix at 1181 S. University Dr. in Plantation.
Publix at 1181 S. University Dr. in Plantation.
Credit Candace West / Miami Herald File
/
Miami Herald File
Publix at 1181 S. University Dr. in Plantation.

Publix will extend insurance plans to same-sex spouses of employees who are legally married.

The company announced that it will open enrollment on Jan. 1 for any employee who can who show proof of lawful marriage in a state where same-sex unions are allowed.

The couples will get the same health care coverage as any heterosexual couple.

Nadine Smith, executive director of , an LGBT-rights group, says not having a consistent statewide policy recognizing same-sex partners when it comes to insurance coverage sends a bad message to possible hires.

“Not only is it the right thing to do, but from a business perspective, it’s crazy that we live in a state where the protections vary from city-to-city from city-to-county,” said Smith. “It impedes bringing the best and the brightest in our state.”

National companies like Target, Amazon.com and Marriott are calling for an end to Florida’s ban on gay marriage.

Same-sex couples in Florida might be allowed to marry on Jan. 6, after a federal judge lifts the stay on his ruling.

To read the full story, go to MiamiHerald.com.

Copyright 2020 WLRN 91.3 FM. To see more, visit .

Julia Duba is Associate Producer of News and Public Affairs.
You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.