Task Force welcomes first-ever federal data related to benefits for same-sex couples

The U.S. Department of Labor today released results of the National Compensation Survey, which for the first time includes federal data on domestic-partner benefits for same-sex couples. The information will help provide a more complete picture of how employers treat same-sex couples with respect to benefits. The Task Force welcomes the inclusion of same-sex couples in federal data collection as a step toward better understanding the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people across the country.

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, says, “With each effort to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in surveys like this, the Department of Labor moves us closer to being able to better serve the community. Data collection is fundamental to addressing the disparities in employment, health, education and income facing our community. We thank Secretary Solis for taking this step in the right direction.”

The Task Force has been a leading advocate for the inclusion of LGBT people in federally supported surveys. Data collection reveals important information about how people live and what their needs are in areas such as health care, family, employment, housing, education and more. Prior to the release of this National Compensation Survey, there was no nationally recognized data on benefits available to employees in a same-sex relationship.