A nationwide auto
organization, the Better World Club, announced
that the company is offering free one-year memberships to
same-sex couples who tie the knot between now and
September 20. The Portland, Ore.-based company
is also honoring proof of domestic partnerships or
civil unions for same-sex couples who are unable to
marry in California or Massachusetts.
Mitch Rofsky,
president of the Better World Club, told The Advocate
that the company is trying to correct an oversight in
the auto club industry. "We feel that the
industry discriminated against gays by not recognizing them
for spouse discounts," he said
on Thursday.
By faxing a copy
of their marriage license or proof of their civil
union or domestic partnership to the BWC, same-sex
couples become eligible for a one-year membership
with privileges including vehicle roadside
assistance, lockout services, and even bicycle
assistance.
Membership with
BWC even minimizes carbon footprint-related
guilt -- 1% of the organization's gross revenue goes
to several different environmental cleanup and
advocacy organizations each year, including the Sierra
Club and carbon-offset efforts.
"We're a greener -- and, we like to think,
cooler -- alternative to AAA and other auto
clubs," Rofsky said.
While the
company's new offer has made minor waves within their
membership ranks -- they've lost two members
since beginning to offer the free membership early
this summer -- Rofsky says the feedback has been
"positive" overall. (Hannah Clay Wareham,
The Advocate)
