November 28, 2007 | Sex & Society

College says yes to pups, no to gays

We all love little Sparky McButternickles (hey, you name your dog and we'll name ours!) but a small college in California seems to be putting puppies before partners in a decision that has angered many in the gay and lesbian community.

Palm Beach Community College will help employees with a pet insurance plan. However, the college refuses to extend health benefits to workers with same-sex domestic partners, even though the additional premium would be the responsibility of the employee and not the school.

"While many pet owners consider their dogs and cats part of their families, there is a basic disconnect when an employer will insure an employee's pet but not an employee's partner," said Deidre Newton, vice president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.

Bad, college. Bad!