The Nation - News from Aug. 25, 1987

Massachusetts plans to ban sex discrimination in insurance, but the industry is likely to bring a court challenge to the new regulations. (Montana since 1985 has required unisex insurance by law but Massachusetts would become the first state to do so through regulation.) Industry representatives contended that a unisex law would discriminate against women by raising their premiums. But State Rep. Mary Jane Gibson said: “Generally, with the companies that do rate on a sex-distinct basis, women pay less for life (insurance) and more for annuities. That will change; they will pay the same (as men).”