Thursday, December 20, 2007

U. S. Senate Considers Gay Partner Benefits for Federal Employees

A bill introduced in the United States Senate would equalize employment benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal employees. No doubt the Christianist wing nuts will go berserk as only they can. Maybe James Dobson, Beverly LaHaye and Tony Perkins at FRC will have aneurysms (one can hope, after all). As reported by PageOneQ, this bill has 19 co-sponsors in the Senate. It would be nice to see the bill pass, but given how other pro-gay rights bills are languishing in Congress, I will not be holding my breath. Here are some highlights:
S.2521, also known as the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act, was introduced Wednesday by Republican Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon, independent Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and 19 co-sponsors. The legislation seeks to grant health benefits, family medical leave, long-term care and retirement benefits, to match those of married couples, to the domestic partners of federal employees.

"The federal government should be leading the way rather than following when it comes to providing benefits," says Senator Smith. "Rights and benefits must be afforded to all employees equally. This bill corrects the current inequity." "It's time for the federal government to catch up to the private sector," adds Senator Lieberman, "not just to set an example but so that it can compete for the most qualified employees and ensure that all of our public servants receive fair and equitable treatment."
The bill's 19 co-sponsors are:
Sen. Daniel Akaka [D-HI]
Sen. Barbara Boxer [D-CA]
Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH]
Sen. Maria Cantwell [D-WA]
Sen. Benjamin Cardin [D-MD]
Sen. Hillary Clinton [D-NY]
Sen. Christopher Dodd [D-CT]
Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL]
Sen. Russell Feingold [D-WI]
Sen. Edward Kennedy [D-MA]
Sen. John Kerry [D-MA]
Sen. Frank Lautenberg [D-NJ]
Sen. Patrick Leahy [D-VT]
Sen. Carl Levin [D-MI]
Sen. Patty Murray [D-WA]
Sen. Barack Obama [D-IL]
Sen. Charles Schumer [D-NY]
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse [D-RI]
Sen. Ron Wyden [D-OR]
The full story on the proposed federal legislation can be found here: http://pageoneq.com/news/2007/Senate_considers_gay_partner_benefits_for_federal_emp_1220.html

1 comment:

Java said...

This would be great. If it passes. If it even gets any exposure on the floor. ah, maybe one day.