Date: Mon, 16 Jan 1995 12:00:23 -0900 From: MARK A TUMEO Well, for all interested parties, we have scored an interim victory here in Alaska. Last Wednesday, a Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Mark Tumeo and Kate Wattum, who sued the University of Alaska for domestic partner benefits for their same sex partners. The case was based on the fact that Alaska State Law prohibits discrimination based on marital status. We argued that we had demonstrated financial and legal committments to our partners, and therefore had the right to be treated the same as all other employees who had similar financial and legal ties as demonstrated by marriage, regardless of our marital status. The judge argreed !!! Now the University has a few options, including denying benefits to all spouses (unlikely), instituting a cafeteria plan, or accepting some form of spousal equivalency form. All those forms that people sent to me a few months ago from this network are now VERY valuable. Of course, the University could also appeal - no decision yet. Kate and I have also established a legal fund to help cover the $8000 plus in legal costs incurred so far. If the University appeals, our legal fees could go over $20,000. Lambda Defense Fund refused to help us saying they have limited funds and must fight bigger cases in bigger states, so we're on our own up here. Our attorney is giving us a great rate, but the costs are still high. We can only recover $750 from the University under State Administrative Law. If any of you would like to contribute you can send the checks directly to Northern Schools Federal Credit Union, 1417 Gilliam Way, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701. Make the checks out to "Tumeo/Wattum Defense Fund - Acct#42190". If you send a stamped, self- addressed envelope, we'll send a complete accounting of income and expenditures from the account. Thanks for all the support to-date. I'll keep the network posted on what the University does next. ** Mark Tumeo **