Obama orders more protections for gay families

President Obama has ordered more benefits for same-sex partners of federal workers. Under his direction – employees with same-sex partners will receive the same benefits provided to their straight colleagues with wives or husbands – to the extent allowed by law. Last year he extended some benefits to same-sex partners of government workers and ordered federal agencies to review additional benefits that also could be available under existing laws.

The president also has urged Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act, which would further extend family benefits now available to heterosexual federal workers to gay and lesbian federal workers.