proivdeby Mark Silva and updated
President Barack Obama plans to extend health care and other benefits to the gay and lesbian partners of federal employees, the Associated Press is reporting tonight.
"White House officials say Obama plans to announce the decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office,'' the AP's Philip Elliott reports, adding that this official spoke anonymously because the president had not yet made the announcement.
This will give partners of federal employees access to health care and financial benefits such as relocation fees for moves, the report notes. The president plans to provide more details of the decision on Wednesday.
ABC News' Jake Tapper, in confirming the report, notes that "the move was long planned, sources say, though it comes at a time that gay and lesbian supporters of the president are expressing anger and disappointment at his inaction on rescinding Don't Ask/Dont Tell, his opposition to same-sex marriage, and his support for the anti-same-sex-marriage Defense of Marriage Act in a legal brief that compared same-sex unions to incestuous ones.''
Rep. Mike Quigley, Democrat of Illinois and member of the congressional LGBT caucus, again called on the Obama administration today to count same-sex marriages in the 2010 Census.
Comments
HRC started this in the State Dept. This was a way for HRC to preempt Obama. Is there a reason this was not up to a vote?
Posted by: Vivian | June 16, 2009 9:53 PM
Obama said and did whatever he had to say or do to get himself elected in 2008 and he plans to do the same for 2012. Hope someone has the brains and guts to put the kabosh on his plans and run a powerful ticket against him.
Posted by: Banderman | June 16, 2009 10:11 PM
How do we have the $ to do this in the current economy? If have this $ shouldn't if be better used for something else that a majority of US citizens want?
Posted by: Carl | June 16, 2009 10:50 PM
Why does Congress need an LGBT caucus?
Isn't the whole idea of the gay rights movement to become a part of mainstream America? If so, why advertise your difference?
Posted by: RegularGuy | June 16, 2009 10:52 PM
This is great news, however we need to push Obama to do more. Vivian- It was not put up to a vote because as the commander in chief of the executive branch Obama is able to make executive orders such as this. The same way Truman ordered the army to be desegregated.
Posted by: Scribbler | June 16, 2009 11:00 PM
Do you have confirmation that the benefits will include health care for same-sex partners? Most activists are cautioning that DOMA prevents the extension of those benefits to same sex partners. Even John Berry himself said that those benefits would need to be extended legislatively. Can you confirm or clarify?
Posted by: garychapelhill | June 17, 2009 12:20 AM
The thin edge of the wedge!
Next Obama will be claiming that he would rather repeal Don't Ask Make Them Guess, rather than let the skinheads, Aryian Brothers, and convicted felons into our glorious armed forces.
This action threatens Western Civilization and our Institution of Marriage.
I'm calling Sen. Ensign and asking him to make a floor speech on this very subject ASAP.
Posted by: Milton Friedman | June 17, 2009 3:39 AM
How do we have the $ to do this in the current economy? If have this $ shouldn't if be better used for something else that a majority of US citizens want?
Posted by: Carl | June 16, 2009 10:50 PM
Carl is right we can't afford this. I think we should save even more money and cut off all benefits for opposite sex spouses too. Think of how much that would save off the budget!
Posted by: What's good for the goose.... | June 17, 2009 10:12 AM
Isn't the whole idea of the gay rights movement to become a part of mainstream America? If so, why advertise your difference?
Posted by: RegularGuy | June 16, 2009 10:52 PM
I agree. Straights should stay in the closet where they belong.
Posted by: Dorothy | June 17, 2009 10:52 AM
The USA cannot afford this either in either its financial or moral budget. It is plainly unfair as it discriminates against straight couples that live together outside marriage. Not to mention just being wrong.
Posted by: John | June 17, 2009 5:39 PM
go gosch
Posted by: jason | June 17, 2009 9:51 PM