January 5, 1994

Same-Sex Couples Seek Health Benefits at Rutgers U.

By Michele N-K Collison

New Brunswick, New Jersey -- Five gay and lesbian employees have sued Rutgers University to force it to provide health benefits to same-sex couples.

The five -- four faculty members and one administrator -- sued the university and the State of New Jersey, accusing them of violating anti-discrimination laws. The suit seeks benefits retroactive to 1981, when Rutgers adopted a policy to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

"Rutgers provides heterosexual