President Barack Obama extended more benefits June 2 to the same-sex partners of federal employees.
Adding to privileges he bestowed on partners of homosexual federal workers last June, Obama included the following benefits among those he ordered to be granted by executive agencies: designation of same-sex partners and their children as “family members” in assistance programs, payments for travel and relocation and access to credit unions, fitness centers and counseling services.
The president also instructed all agencies that extend new benefits to spouses of heterosexual employees to provide those same rights to same-sex partners of federal workers.
The new memorandum was another in a series of White House actions supporting homosexual causes. Recently Obama proclaimed June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. He also endorsed legislation to overturn the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law before the Pentagon does a review of the policy. That law bars homosexuals from serving openly in the U.S. Armed Forces.
In a statement accompanying his latest memorandum, the president expressed regret his administration could not do more for homosexual employees and their same-sex partners. The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from recognizing gay “marriage” and has been used to prevent the government from granting same-sex couples full marriage benefits, such as health insurance. The ’96 law also gives states the option of not recognizing gay “marriages” from another state. (BP)
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