"Maternity leave" too narrowly interpreted

Kevin Knussman won a $375,00 gender discrimination suit after having been denied paternity leave from his job as a state police paramedic. His employers determined that maternity leave was for mothers only.

As families turn non-traditional at an ever-increasing rate, paternal leave and emergency leave become increasingly important. A father may have just as much need to take leave when his child is born as when the mother does. In Knussman's case, the mother was near death because of childbirth complications, and unable to care for their child.

And considering the push for legal recognition of same-sex marriages, family leaves need to be extended beyond their traditional definitions. Family emergencies involving parents of adult children or partners in same-sex unions happen, and should be treated humanely.

Our government has the responsibility to ensure that all people, regardless of sex, receive equal protection under the law.

I would be unacceptable for a parent, spouse, or partner to be denied leave simply because they are not a member of the "mother-child" relationship.