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June 18, 2009

Obama Extends Some Benefits to Same-Sex Partners of Federal Workers
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In Washington, President Obama has signed a memorandum to extend some
benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, but the
President did not offer survivor benefits or comprehensive healthcare,
drawing sharp criticism from within the gay community.

President Obama: “Today I’m proud to issue a presidential memorandum
that paves the way for long-overdue progress in our nation’s pursuit of
equality. Many of our government’s hardworking and dedicated and
patriotic public servants have long been denied basic rights that their
colleagues enjoy for one simple reason: the people that they love are of
the same sex.”

Obama made the policy change by issuing a memorandum, not an executive
order. This means the policy change will expire when Obama leaves
office. Several prominent gay rights activists have criticized the
President in recent days for failing to live up to campaign promises.
Last week, the administration filed a legal brief supporting the
constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. On Wednesday, however,
Obama said he would work to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. Obama
has also been criticized for not pushing for an end to the military’s
“don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.



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