Apple Extends Full Range Of Benefits To The Partners Of Its Gay Employees

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Apple Computer Inc. yesterday extended a full range of health and family benefits to partners of employees in same-sex relationships, becoming the largest of California's Silicon Valley companies to recognize gay and lesbian families.

Apple's decision, which follows in the footsteps of companies such as Lotus Development Corp. and Borland International Inc., could act as a catalyst for a growing number of Silicon Valley firms considering similar policies.

This fledgling private-industry effort - to win greater loyalty from gay and lesbian employees by providing equal benefits - stands in contrast to the military's policy prohibiting gays from serving in the armed forces.

Apple's policy also includes bereavement leave and participation in child care and other company programs.

"The idea is one of equity," said Santiago Rodriguez of Apple. "There is a valid argument that people in committed relations but unable to marry should not suffer by not getting those benefits. We aren't in the business of defining what is a family."

Benefits consultants said the increased interest in domestic-partners policies in private industry is part of a growing recognition of how much the American family has changed. Today, only 15 percent of U.S. households resemble the traditional family unit portrayed in "Leave it to Beaver."

Nationwide there are at least 4.2 million households made up of unmarried couples, some with children, some without, according to an October report by the city of West Hollywood, titled "Understanding the Domestic Partner Dilemma." An estimated 62 percent of those households make up opposite-sex couples, and the remaining 38 percent are same-sex couples.

Apple estimates its health-care costs will increase by 1 percent and expects 40 to 60 new enrollees to its plans in addition to its current 8,500 domestic employees and their families.