Capitol Hill Questions
New legislation would extend same-sex benefits
Federal GLOBE (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Employees of the Federal Government) is focusing efforts on helping pass legislation that would extend benefits to same-sex partners of GLBT federal employees.
Versions of the Domestic Partnership and Obligations Act of 2007 were introduced Dec. 19, 2007, in both the House and Senate by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), a lesbian; and Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), respectively.
The bill defines ”domestic partner” as ”an adult unmarried person living with another adult unmarried person of the same sex in a committed, intimate relationship,” and would give such partners of federal employees a status equal to that of spouse in regard to employee benefits.
”We have developed a questionnaire which we ask you to please fill out so that we can understand the range of issues,” reads a Federal GLOBE statement accompanying the survey.
The questions may be answered by anyone employed in a position funded by the federal government. The survey is online at www.fedglobe.org.
”We will share the findings with the appropriate Congressional committees and researchers who are looking at the issues of fairness in benefits.”
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