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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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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.
_____________________
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.
_____________________