Texas A&M University System to extend benefits to spouses of same-sex employees

The Texas A&M University System's decision to extend benefits spouses of same-sex couples gave local advocates a chance to not only celebrate, but let go of almost a decade of frustration built up during a fight for those benefits.

Some in the local LGBT community thought A&M, given its conservative history, would delay offering enrollment to spouses of employees and retirees after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide Friday. So it was a pleasant surprise to Stephen Balfour, director of information technology for A&M and treasurer for the A&M GLBT Professional Network, when he heard of the Monday memo stating employees of all walks of life would have the opportunity to enroll spouses in benefits programs starting Wednesday.

"Personally, over the course of the last two days, my outlook was improved, and I was already happy," Balfour said. "I feel like there has been a weight lifted off their shoulders for a more-inclusive environment. I had a little bit more joy in coming into work today."

Judy LeUnes, president of the Pride Community Center for Bryan-College Station's board of directors, said doubts of same-sex employee benefits being offered at A&M and other area employers was the only damper on an otherwise festive day following the Supreme Court's morning announcement.

Read more: http://www.theeagle.com/news/local/texas-a-m-university-system-to-extend-benefits-to-spouses/article_6b0da676-62af-5c1d-868c-6f2b1c998235.html