Texas religious university to offer same-sex benefits to its workers.(The Dallas Morning News)

DALLAS _ Southern Methodist University will offer medical benefits and reduced tuition to the same-sex partners of employees beginning next year, administrators said.

The decision makes SMU the second university in Texas and one of a relatively few religious schools in the country to extend such benefits. Nationally, about 150 of 3,300 higher education institutions have similar policies.

The issue of same-sex benefits has sparked heated debates and protracted battles at schools nationwide, but SMU made the decision without fanfare or public notice.

Opponents of the proposal were few in number and virtually silent, administrators and faculty members said.

The benefits plan was simply a good business decision that will allow SMU to remain competitive for top teaching talent, said Dr. Morgan Olsen, vice president for business and finance.

"It was becoming clear that many employers nationally are offering this benefit," he said. "This is necessary to ensure SMU recruits and retains the best people."

The University Benefits Council recommended adopting the policy, and the Faculty Senate voted unanimously last month to concur. On Friday, administrators briefed SMU trustees on plans to offer the benefits beginning Jan. 1.