Task Force urges passage of Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate today. This legislation would provide domestic partner benefits for federal employees and their partners, including health care, Family and Medical Leave Act rights, workers’ compensation, life insurance and retirement. It was introduced by Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), and Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine).

The Task Force Action Fund is dedicated to improving the economic stability of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and families, and is advocating for passage of this measure.

Statement by Rea Carey, executive director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

It is long past time the federal government — the country’s largest civilian employer — provide benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. In addition to being fundamentally fair and helpful to thousands of families all across the country, extending these benefits is a sound business decision because it will help the federal government recruit and retain the best people. Currently, nearly 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies and numerous states and local governments offer their employees domestic partner benefits. This bill will simply bring the federal government up to the standard already supported by businesses and people across the country.