Even the Government recognizes competitive forces at work int he market. Recently, Sens. Smith (R – OR) and Lieberman (D – CT) have introduced a bill that would provide benefits to “domestic partners,” citing the need to “rid the workplace of discrimination” and to ensure that “federal agencies compete for the most qualified personnel.”

If it’s good enough for the Gummint, isn’t it good enough for the rest of us? Now, I’m not suggesting that they should craft legislation that would force domestic companies to provide such benefits to everyone – this is properly that responsibility of the individual businesses. How competitive they want to be is, and ought to be, their decision to make. If your company doesn’t want to pay benefits to domestic partners, then don’t be surprised when those qualified applicants accept offers with your competitors, who are anxious to steal the best and brightest employees, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Of course, the possible countermeasure would be to pass a law forbidding private companies from extending benefits thusly. I haven’t heard any talk of that yet, and I hope I don’t. It would be a shame.