011074 cn Court to Rule on Women's Rights Cases

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RNS) The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to rule on two women's equal rights issues - one involving maternity benefits and other equal pay with men for comparable work assignments.

In a related action, The Federal Home Loan Bank Board issued a policy statement that savings and loan institutions no longer may discriminate against women or families dependent on a working wife's income in making mortgage loans.

The maternity benefits issues was raised by a group of women who challenged the
California state disability benefits insurance program. The program reimburses
workers who are sick or injured: but excludes alcoholics. drug addicts, sexual psychopaths and pregnant women.

In their challenge of the program, the women argued that making pregnancy an exception denied them equal protection of the laws.