If any group annuity contract or pension trust, whether heretofore or hereafter issued, is effected by an employer for the benefit of the employer's employees, whether or not requiring any contribution toward the cost thereof by such employees, the interest of any employee, beneficiary or joint or contingent annuitant in any policy, certificate or fund in connection therewith and the interest in any payments or proceeds thereof and in any optional or death benefits is not in any way subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, trustee process or any other legal or equitable process.   [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §223 (COR).]