President Obama: Extends Benefits to Gay Fed Employees

In a move many in the gay community are saying is too little too late, the Obama administration will allow some benefits to same-sex partners who work for the government, according to the Associated Press. The President officially  signed the memorandum late last night but the gay/lesbian community still feels that he could be doing more, especially as it pertains to health care benefits. As it is now, gay and lesbian federal employees can add their partners to the government’s long-term insurance program, use sick leave to take care of domestic partners and children, and allows same sex partners of diplomats to use the medical facilities abroad.

Last week, the Obama administration filed a legal brief defending the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex marriage, which has caused the majority of the anger in the gay community.—WLW