Tuesday, Wal-Mart, Inc announced it will offer domestic partner health benefits to its employees in the U.S., starting next year. A memo that went out to employees (obtained by Towleroad) explains a bit about the new policy:

"Given the diverse world we live in today, a comprehensive benefit package that includes domestic partner benefits appeals to the contemporary workforce," explained the memo.

Wal-Mart is the world’s largest retailer, with 1.3 million employees in the U.S. More than half of those are covered by the company’s health plan.

Partners can apply if they are in a legally-recognized same-sex union or if they have been in an exclusive relationship similar to marriage for at least 12 months. Wal-Mart’s annual enrollment period for health care coverage beings October 12.