Obama to Extend Some Benefits to Same-Sex Partners of Federal Employees

“„

Reacting to a rising tide of angerfrom gay and lesbian supporters at a series of slights and deferred promises, President Obama will tomorrow extend some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

“„

The move, which begins to mirror the policy of many large corporations, will have an immediate effect for many workers, but it is a deeply reactive response to a core Democratic group whose concerns have been festering for six months. The presidential memorandum — scheduled for signing [Wednesday] at 5:45 p.m., may in the short term, give Joe Biden something positive to say at a June 25 fundraiser that has seen prominent guests drop out, a host sharply attackthe administration, and which is expected to be marked by protests.

“„

However, the Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the federal government from extending health and retirement benefits to same-sex couples, so the benefits are more likelyto be marginal — like relocation assistance.