The University of Georgia took another step toward giving benefits to unmarried employee's domestic partners when the University Council approved the policy on Thursday.

The policy—proposed by GLOBES, an organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender faculty and staff—would allow both gay and straight employees' domestic partners to sign up for insurance benefits. Proof like a joint bank account is required.

To get around a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions, the policy would only apply to life, dental and accidental death insurance, which are entirely funded by employees. Rather than health insurance, which is funded partly by taxpayers, domestic partners could get a cash stipend as long as they're not covered by their employer. The stipend would come from a source other than taxes, tuition or student fees.

Psychology professor Janet Frick, who moved the policy through UGA's bureaucracy, said it will help recruit and retain top faculty and staff. Three-quarters of UGA's peer and aspirational institutions already offer such benefits. Based on enrollment at other universities, Frick said she expects about 50 people to sign up, costing an estimated $270,000. "It's not expensive, it's something we can do locally, and it's the right thing to do," she said.

The policy passed the University Council overwhelmingly, with only two or three people objecting in a voice vote. Now, it's in President Michael Adams' hands, and he won't say whether he supports the policy. He said he plans to discuss it with senior administrators, lawyers and the Board of Regents. "I want to see what's the art of the doable," he said.

Adams said he's proceeding cautiously because of the attention the move might bring. "When we do something at the flagship (university), with all due respect, it's different than other people doing something."