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NEWS & LETTERS, March 2004

Ground gained

New York--The New York State unemployment insurance appeals board was ordered by the state's Labor Department's top lawyer, Jerome Tracy, to reverse a two-year-old ruling. The ruling had barred jobless benefits to gays involved in long-term relationships, who quit their jobs to stay with partners who obtain out-of-state work.

Many believe the policy reversal was influenced by the Empire State Pride Agenda Advocacy Group pressuring Governor Pataki.

Reversal of the policy will award a lesbian $3,500 who two years ago quit her Rochester job to follow her partner who had landed a "prestigious" computer position in Virginia.

The new policy does require "proof" of a long-term committed relationship such as jointly purchases residences, shared living expenses, bonds and accounts, or life insurance policies.

The litigation director of the ACLU for lesbian and gay rights commended the "progressiveness" of New York State as it "has recognized a broader and more functional definition of family."

--Sheila G.

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