The policy came about due to the effort of Gov. Eliot Spitzer, says Newsday. As a result of this new policy, the state Department of Civil Service will have to give same-sex couples spousal benefits eligibility in the New York State Health Insurance Program, Newsday reports. Couples will also be entitled to receive benefits from the Department's Employee Benefits Division, which includes the New York State Vision Program, among others, officials told the paper.

The governor’s spokesperson, Christine Anderson, told the paper, "This was done at the governor's direction and is an aspect of keeping his commitment to ensure marriage equality in the State of New York." Spitzer has previously shown his support of the same-sex marriage equality issue, when, at the end of April, he announced he would be introducing a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in New York. According to www.Advocate.com , this marked the first time a United States governor both authored and introduced a bill about same-sex marriage to a state legislature.

New York State already gives benefits to domestic partners, but they have to show a number of documents to be eligible, while straight married couples have to show just their marriage license.

Joe Tarver, spokesman for the Empire State Pride Agenda, told Newsday this is a major leap forward for GLBT people. "It's huge for our community," he said. "Not being able to get spousal benefits at work is one of the hundreds of ways our families are hurt by not being able to get married." However, Frank Russo of the American Family Association of New York believes this policy is a bad one that will end up costing taxpayers a lot of money, according to Newsday.

Until next time !