It was over a month ago that the Omaha World Herald published a story on Nebraska and Iowa companies who offer health insurance benefits to homosexual couples. Even though the Iowa Supreme Court had legalized same-sex marriage a few months before, there was no legal requirement to change existing policies. The federal Defense of Marriage Act trumps state law, the former recognizing that while employers can extend health benefits to homosexual couples, they are by no means compelled to do so.And most companies haven't.
But there were a few of the 27 companies the OWH contacted that did: West Corp., First Data, San Francisco-based Bank of the West, Principal Financial, Iowa Health, Union Pacific and Hy-Vee supermarkets.
The Des Moines-based supermarket chain did not offer any benefits to same-sex couples prior to the court ruling. Now, however, homosexual employees who get married are eligible for the same benefits given to heterosexuals. The new policy applies to employees in all seven states where Hy-Vee operates, including Nebraska, even though the state does not recognize same-sex marriage.
Hy-Vee is where we regularly shop. Well, where we used to shop.
Here is Claire's letter explaining to the organization why we have changed stores. (She hasn't received a response yet.)
Mr. Edeker,
I was very disappointed to see that Hy-Vee decided to be one of the few corporations that will offer the same benefits to same-sex "married" couples as you offer to heterosexual couples. Simply because the state of Iowa made such a grievous error in allowing homosexuals to be married doesn't mean you have to follow suit.
Do you really believe that homosexual marriage is morally right and that it should be honored on the same level as natural marriage which has for thousands of years been the ideal of all cultures? Do all the employees of Hy-Vee agree with your decision? You advertise that you are employee-owned -- did you ask them?
I'm sorry but unless there is a change in your policies, I will no longer shop at any Hy-Vee store. Also I will tell all of my friends exactly why I am not shopping there.
I've always enjoyed the experience of shopping at Hy-Vee. But timeless moral principles are worth a lot more than tomatoes or beans.
Hy-Vee, Inc.
5820 Westown Parkway
West Des Moines, Iowa
50266-8223
1-515-267-2800