Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (May 6, 1994)
just out T may 6. 1904 T 9 national news Domestic partners recognized , State Farm’s decision is a first for the industry and it is believed other companies will follow suit G A R D E N - S T O R E O f course w e have marigolds and petunias and all of the old favorites...but Osteospermum fruiticosum< W here else but Max & T Hildy's will you find this delightful perennial? It sports a blooming by Bob R oehr season as long as its name. This would be a perfect welcoming m ata longsun nypathsordriv eways ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^ ne of the benefits of domestic part Blodgett. He said corporate headquarters knows nership is being cou nted in cold, hard of only one such prior payout, in New York. cash by Robert Gentry and Dennis Jeanne Salvatore, of the Insurance Informa Amick. The pair were devastated last tion Institute, a clearinghouse for all insurance October, when fire swept down from matters, believes State Farm’s decision is a first the hills to engulf their home in Laguna for Beach, the industry and that others will follow the Calif. industry leader. Gentry assumed that his home owner’s policy According to Best's 1993 Insurance Report with State Farm Insurance would cover the loss. the State Farm group is by far the largest property He said he had “never thought about changing the and casualty group in the country. It is California’s name of the insured on my insurance policies, largest property and casualty insurer, writing about other than life.” a quarter of the policies issued in the state. But he learned that, under standard industry Nancy Polikof f, practitioner of family law and practice, his home owner’s insurance policy only a professor at the American University School of covered the personal belongings of the policy Law, acknowledges the impact of this decision, holder and his or her immediate family. None of on both the practical level and as a “symbolic Amick’s belongings would be covered. victory for the legitimacy of our relationships.” “Wait a minute," said the feisty Gentry to his Her ambivalence centers around “problems insurance adjuster. “W e’re registered domestic with the institution of marriage" and the creation partners, doesn ’t that count as family?” Gentry, as of domestic partnership as the queer equivalent of an openly gay member of the city council, had marriage. She stated that her own employer has pushed Laguna Beach to become one of the defined the term to apply only to same-sex part nation’s first cities to enact that concept into la1*'. ners, excluding heterosexual couples who have Amick and Gentry were the first in line in 1992 chosen to live together but not get married. and hold registration certificate No. 1. Salvatore calls domestic partners just one as “State Farm went and talked with corporate pect of the rapidly evolving nature of personal about this and very quickly came back, within a insurance that reflects changes in society. Tne few days I think, indicating that they would honor 1990 census showed 3 million unmarried couples our relationship and the city’s standards,” re living together, a dramatic increase over the last counted Gentry. “And all of my partner’s belong count. “There are so many people who, for one ings were covered. Which I thought was just reason or another, have bonded with somebody wonderful.” else, it could even be an elderly parent, and they State Farm regional spokesm an Robert want the same sort of legal protections [as in Blodgett seemed to walk a thin line between marriage],” she said. taking pride in the company’s decision and in She advises consumers to check with their minimizing its importance. On the one hand, “It insurance company and say, “Listen, I would like was just the right thing to do,” he said. On the to add so-and-so to my policy, they live with me. What do you recommend so that they have cover other, “It is not like a big decision was made on this day by this person, it is more like, as the law age?” The multitude of varying state regulations moves, so do we.” preclude a blanket recommendation, but often a company can accommodate individual needs. “We are going to look at the local laws and Gentry urges all people to come out of the [do] whatever is consistent with that community. closet when discussing their financial and plan Laguna Beach recognizes domestic partners offi ning needs. He cites his own example of what can cially. The decision was made to handle it the happen when you ask the questions and push for same as a marriage certificate,” said Blodgett. fair treatment. ‘T o us, that shows that the persons are not just roommates, but they have some type of legal “People want to rise to the highest level,” says Gentry. "And when we encourage that, people relationship.” will do that. If we don’t encourage that, it isn’t It is the first time State Farm has recognized going to happen.” that claim in the state of California, according to O ACHIEVE FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND. Imagine not worrying about money, bills or debts. You know you have to plan, save and budget, but how? That’s where Fric, Floreid and Karen can help. They can help you put together yo u r financial plan so you can work toward realizing your dreams, step-by-step. Waddell & Reed makes talking about money fu n . For a free, confidential appointment, call Waddell & Reed. Make sure you ask fo r Eric, Floreid or Karen. Don’t put your Finan cial well-being on hold...call today. » r Eric Brown, Floreid Walker & Karen Curry Waddell & Reed, Financial Services 500 NE Multnomah, Suite 278 • Portland, OR 072.52 (5 0 3 ) 2 3 8 -6 0 3 6 Plenty of free parking Weekend and evening appointments available Buying or Selling? Let me give you a hand. You deserve representation whether you are selling or buying real estate. M illynn is one of the few top agents in Portland who offers buyers the same level of representation that sellers have traditionally counted on. And, of course, Millynn continues to offer top personalized service to sellers, bringing you top dollar with the least amount of hassle. Call now for a free market evaluation if you need to sell before you buy your next home! With her client-oriented services for non-traditional families in all our diversity, Millynn has become the #1 Eastside agent for Professionals 100 (the #1 company in Oregon). In today’s competitive market, don’t you want to be represented by the best? CALL MILLYNN NOW to schedule a free consultation (with no obligation). Millynn James, c r i Associate Broker Multi-Million Dollar Producer Your Real Estate Professional (503) 287-9632, x.122 Mobile/Voice Mail 720-4642 Lesbian and gay studies program created The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Aca demic Program and Curriculum Committee unani mously approved a plan that calls for starting an undergraduate gay and lesbian studies program in the fall of 1994. The plan still requires the ap proval of Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs Kenneth L. Watters and the UW system adminis tration in Madison. The program would be developed from exist ing courses that deal with gay and lesbian issues, according to Christopher Lane, coordinator of the project and an assistant professor. However, David Mulroy, chairman of the Classics Department at UWM said, “I find it hard to believe that the gay angle on different subjects really adds up to an 19350 N W Cornell Rd • just off 185th in Hillsboro a J .ROFESSIONi ■REALTORS < 00 V start by listening. Specializing in classic and restorable homes in Portland's established neighborhoods ~ academic discipline. It is obviously based on the interests of a political interest group.” Only a few universities in the nation have a certificate program on gay and lesbian issues, said Lane. Compiled by Jann Gilbert See Classified for this m o n th ’s selected listings. *•* My pledge for 1994: To donate/invest at least 10% of my commissions back into the lesbian and gay community.