Extension of benefits to federal workers does not include healthcare or insurance plans b.c of DOMA

[TeamJordan23]

Quite disappointing b.c. health care is essentially the top work benefit out there and the work benefit that most people cherish the most. We need to get rid of DOMA.

Early reaction: Unimpressed by benefits

President Obama's plan to fulfill a promise to extend some benefits to federal workers is drawing a lukewarm reaction this morning, as it becomes clear that -- contrary to some early reports -- the benefits can't include access for same-sex partners to health or retirement plans.

The Defense of Marriage Act, which Obama vowed during the campaign to repeal, prohibits the federal government from extending those benefits, so today's announcement appears likely to be limited to meaningful, but less sweeping, changes for gay and lesbian federal workers.

"Are they kidding us? Domestic Partnership benefits WITHOUT health insurance because of DOMA? What kind of reality do they live in?" gay fundraiser and activist David Mixner emailed me this morning. "It is like rubbing salt in the wound. I am glad that some barriers will be lifted for Federal Employees but what is the most important benefit needed....health insurance! Good god."

Even some congressional Democrats appear unimpressed by the move. Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York emailed out this lukewarm statement this morning:

President Obama’s decision displays the administration’s commitment to ensuring that certain basic rights and privileges are extended to all Americans.

While encouraging, this measure only grants same-sex couples benefits that have been provided by corporations for years and fails to reverse the administration's troubling refusal to fully recognize same-sex couples under the law and to allow lesbian gay bisexual trangender Americans to serve openly in the military.

That said, I am still pleased to say that the unacceptable reality of offering fewer benefits to same-sex couples is about to change.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0609/Early_reaction_Unimpressed_by_benefits.html?showall

[GodlessBiker]

1. If health benefits are prohibited by DOMA, why aren't other benefits?

Are health and retirement benefits specifically mentioned in DOMA and others excluded?

[Boomerang Diddle]

2. Since DOMA is LAW and Congress has yet to send Obama legislation ending it

what is your point? Would you be happier if Obama did nothing at all?

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Obama promised to lead on the issue

So let's see it. He said he'd use the Bully Pulpit, be a fierce advocate, that he would lead the Congress and the States to be just.
And he's not doing any of that. I'd be happier if he did what he said he would do. That is all anyone is asking, that he be a man of his word like his famous faith teaches him to be.
Is that so hard to understand? That he should do what he said he would do?

[mkultra]

14. I believe you, got any links to back it up though?

Frankly i have no recollection of Obama promising to lead this charge. Maybe you could jar my memory.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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[LostinVA]

11. Beacuse civil rights and marriage equality are just poutrage and ponies

[mkultra]

15. why are ponies constanly smeared on this board

I personally like ponies and all forms of equine for that matter.

[asphalt.jungle]

5. Why doesn't Rep. Anthony Weiner introduce legislation?

I'm going to ask this every time a congressperson tries to pass the buck with some flimsy excuse when it's their responsibility as lawmakers to get the bill to him. What a fitting last name.


"While encouraging, this measure only grants same-sex couples benefits that have been provided by corporations for years and fails to reverse the administration's troubling refusal to fully recognize same-sex couples under the law and to allow lesbian gay bisexual trangender Americans to serve openly in the military."

[alcibiades_mystery]

10. Indeed, all Weiner would have to do is attach a rider to defense appropriations to undo DADT

I'm sure he's been a "leader" on this issue himself! Or at least sniffs some political capital in the wind in his district. Why bother with actually changing the law when you can beat up on somebody who CAN'T change the law and get your bona fides with a key local constituency!

[Thrill]

6. How about waiting to see what Obama says or actually does before

overreacting?

[vaberella]

7. It's better to overreact...note poster above who says Obama is not leading.

At this point...I thought being president was leading..especially since he already stated exactly where he stands.

[Colobo]

8. Sadly, you are so right...

[alcibiades_mystery]

9. Thank Bill Clinton

He signed DOMA into law in September 1996, just six weeks before his landslide reelection. Good job triangulating, Big Dog!

[Kitsune]

12. I actually think I'm more offended after this memo.

It's such a naked, last-second attempt to salvage a fundraiser after the HRC pulled out. At long last, it comes down to a band-aid on an arterial wound because they think it'll mollify us after that disgustingly offensive DOMA brief. No apology, just a couple of extra benefits to a tiny portion of the LGBT population, and not even healthcare at that. Whee. Fierce advocate, mmmhmmm.

[karynnj]

13. given that many major companies

extend health care, why can't the federal government - and isn't that what just happened with the State department.