Wal-Mart Expands Definition of 'Immediate Family'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) is expanding the definition of "immediate family" in its employee-ethics policy to account for laws in states that recognize domestic partnerships and civil unions.
The change drew quick praise from a major gay-rights lobbying organization.
The revised policy, which was disclosed Wednesday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (search) recognizes that in some states "immediate family" includes an employee's same-sex partner.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The revisions deal with sections of the company's ethics code that bar employees from using confidential information to benefit themselves or immediate family members and from approaching Wal-Mart's suppliers about jobs for immediate family members, the company said Thursday.
Wal-Mart is the world's largest retailer.
Wal-Mart spokesman Gus Whitcomb declined to say whether the change would affect benefits for employees of the nation's largest employer or whether the revision meant the company was taking a position on same-sex marriage or civil unions.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We updated our statement of ethics," Whitcomb said. "That brings us into compliance with state laws in terms of how they look at individuals with regard to policies" where a worker's "immediate family" would be a factor, he said.
For instance, in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal, Wal-Mart would expect its workers in that state to abide by the company's ethics policy as it pertains to families, Whitcomb said.
The Human Rights Campaign, a national lobbying group for gay and lesbian issues, praised Wal-Mart for expanding its definition of "immediate family."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We are encouraged by this sign showing America's heartland employer understands same-sex couples share the responsibilities that come with being a family," Daryl Herrschaft, deputy director of Human Rights Campaign's (search) WorkNet program, said in a statement.