U of Arkansas reverses on gay health benefits

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — The University of Arkansas System has reversed its decision to include same-sex couples in the health benefits that is offered to spouses.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that UA attorney Fred Harrison on Tuesday cited a ruling by the Arkansas Supreme Court that stays a lower court's ruling that an amendment banning same-sex marriages is unconstitutional.

UA revised its health benefits on Thursday to include same-sex married couples — although the coverage would not be effective until June 1. The state Supreme Court's stay was issued Friday.

UA spokesman Ben Beaumont estimated that fewer than 15 employees had begun the enrollment process to receive the benefits for a spouse.

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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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The Gayly – May 22, 2014 @ 10:30am