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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Pedro Julio Serrano, Communications Coordinator
(Office) 646.358.1479 (Cell) 787.602.5954
pserrano@theTaskForce.org

Task Force Action Fund Hails Introduction of Federal Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund hails the introduction of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act in the U.S. Congress. This legislation would provide domestic partner benefits for federal employees and their partners. The bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and U.S. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-ME).

The benefits that would be provided include federal health insurance and enhanced dental and vision benefits; retirement and disability benefits; family, medical and emergency leave; group life insurance; long-term care insurance; compensation for work injuries; and benefits for disability, death or captivity. It is unclear at this time when the bill may come up for consideration in either chamber.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

"Currently, the majority of Fortune 500 companies, 16 states and over 200 local governments offer their employees domestic partner benefits. It is unconscionable that the federal government, the country's largest civilian employer, does not provide these benefits. The time has come to rectify this injustice and provide domestic partner benefits for federal employees. Thankfully, through House and Senate leadership, this legislation would provide vital benefits to many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender federal employees."

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!