Wal-Mart's New World

Wal-Mart has dragged itself into the late 20th century, adjusting its anti-discrimination policies to include gay and lesbian employees. The nation's largest employer (1.1 million) did not publicize the decision, which has apparently been in effect for a short time, but it was reported in the Wednesday editions of The New York Times. The change in policy does not come with any benefits attached, since the company does not provide those for unmarried couples of any orientation, a spokesman said.