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Press Release
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin
Wisconsin’s Second District
2446 Rayburn H.O.B. 10 E. Doty St. #405 400 E. Grand Ave. #402
Washington, DC 20515 Madison, WI 53703 Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: 202-225-2906 Phone: 608-258-9800 Phone: 608-362-2800
Fax: 202-225-6942 Fax: 608-258-9808 Fax: 608-362-2838
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jerilyn Goodman 608-251-8737 Cell: 608-347-6557
jerilyn.goodman@mail.house.gov
November 18, 2009
Baldwin Lauds Historic Votes for LGBT Equality
Domestic Partner Benefits Advance in House
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin lauded an historic vote in a House committee that moves the nation a step closer to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans.
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee today passed the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act (H.R. 2517), authored by Congresswoman Baldwin (D-WI). Under the legislation, same-sex domestic partners of federal employees living together in a committed relationship would be eligible for health benefits, long-term care, Family and Medical Leave, and federal retirement benefits, among others. The domestic partners of federal employees would also be subject to the same responsibilities that apply to the spouses of federal employees, such as anti-nepotism rules and financial disclosure requirements.
“Today’s actions mark another significant step in our march toward LGBT equality,” said Congresswoman Baldwin, Co-Chair of the House LGBT Equality Caucus. “Our movement is gaining momentum around the country and Congress is following the will of the people. Today is a day to celebrate yet another milestone and recognize anew that ‘the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.’”
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. In a ceremony at the White House in June, President Obama voiced his strong support for the measure.
Just in: Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act advances in House Committee |
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| By: Pam Spaulding Wednesday November 18, 2009 8:25 pm | |
From the mailbag…
4 Comments4 Responses to “Just in: Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act advances in House Committee”
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Mmmmmm Good!Separate but equal tastes yummy!
Until you figure what it really does to you. This was not very well thought out. You realize that this actually DOES create a distinct “other” class of citizen.
Nice, but….I imagine that if I were a Federal employee, I would be somewhat pleased about this legislation. I share, however, ThePhoenix’s concern that this act enshrines “spearate but equal” in Federal legislation. And, of course, it appears that GLBT individuals who are married in those states that allow civil marriage will have to certify themselves as domestic partners in order to receive the benefits, in essence agreeing that their marriages are not really marriages. At a personal level, I find it difficult to cheer this (unless, of course, I misunderstand the legislation).
It’s somethingThis is something, it’s progress, yes, but it’s still crumbs, and small ones at that. This law affects federal employees only. It codifies “separate but equal.” It’s a very poor sop to a community which is watching ENDA being sacrificed.
With the nondiscrimination protection of gender variant people being ignored in New York, the postponement of the ENDA vote adds just another layer of oppression to those who suffer without this vitally needed protection. My reaction to this is a big “Ho Hum!” and a consequent, “BFD, who cares?”
The problem is that it is NOT progress.It should be considered at all levels a step backwards in the quest for equal rights. I do agree with your statement about ENDA.
Our politicians appear to be willing to sacrifice us all on their own desire to appear as if they are working on behalf of their constituents when they aren’t.
Finally, I could not care any less that our politicians are willing to extend benefits to one unique GLBT group within their own rank and file… AGAIN! This smacks of the bourgeoisie elite wanting more for themselves while the rest of us suffer.
No one is free when others are oppressed!