Pets vs Domestic Partner Benefits

I realize that we have a new phenomenon of pet parents -- people who treat their pets as children -- but this is downright ridiculous.

The push to get domestic partner benefits for employees of Palm Beach Community College continues to be pushed back. Last year, the college’s board tied on a vote to grant the benefits, with the tie meaning that the benefits were not
added. When a few months later the college added as a benefit health insurance options for employee pets (but still not for unmarried partners), many gay employees were outraged.

This report on Inside Higher Ed does note that the college administration has recommended the addition of human benefits (I can't believe that I just typed 'human benefits'), but the college board is seeking legal advice to reconcile the new state law that limits the power of local boards.