Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Tim Garrett authored an article published in the National Law Journal providing guidance on the recent same-sex marriage ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, and how the decision has caused many employers to reevaluate their benefit structures. Since the ruling, employers are faced with added pressure to provide retroactive coverage and are considering whether to extend benefits to only legally married spouses. Previously, many employers provided coverage to employees’ domestic partners; but with the recent ruling, employers see a less-compelling argument to extend benefits to relationships less formal than marriage. Not only has the decision caused many employers to analyze health coverage, it also has led to an increase in cultural tensions in the workplace.
The full article, “Workplace Impact From Same-Sex Marriage Ruling,” was published on November 9, 2015 by the National Law Journal and is available online (subscription required).