Feb 10, 2014
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
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Lauren McCauley
Lauren McCauley is a former senior editor for Common Dreams covering national and international politics and progressive news. She is now the Editor of Maine Morning Star. Lauren also helped produce a number of documentary films, including the award-winning Soundtrack for a Revolution and The Hollywood Complex, as well as one currently in production about civil rights icon James Meredith. Her writing has been featured on Newsweek, BillMoyers.com, TruthDig, Truthout, In These Times, and Extra! the newsletter of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. She currently lives in Kennebunk, Maine with her husband, two children, a dog, and several chickens.
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
_____________________
Lauren McCauley
Lauren McCauley is a former senior editor for Common Dreams covering national and international politics and progressive news. She is now the Editor of Maine Morning Star. Lauren also helped produce a number of documentary films, including the award-winning Soundtrack for a Revolution and The Hollywood Complex, as well as one currently in production about civil rights icon James Meredith. Her writing has been featured on Newsweek, BillMoyers.com, TruthDig, Truthout, In These Times, and Extra! the newsletter of Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting. She currently lives in Kennebunk, Maine with her husband, two children, a dog, and several chickens.
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
_____________________
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