Boston, MA — Yesterday President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum extending certain benefits to same-sex partners and spouses of federal employees. Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Equality Council, the national organization working to ensure equality for families headed by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents, was one of three LGBT leaders present at the Oval Office ceremony.
«All American families face challenges, but our families encounter unique obstacles when trying to protect our children and our partners. The language in this memo signed by President Obama addresses some of those complex realities,» Chrisler said. «President Obama’s actions will help thousands of committed, same-sex couples working for the federal government ensure their families’ security. While today’s memorandum falls short, it does move us forward. There is much more work to be done to recognize the wide diversity of families that live and work in this country, including families with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration in the future as it takes the next steps to ensure equal protection and treatment of all American families.»
On July 21, 2008, Chrisler issued identical letters to then-presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, asking each to identify the «policies and positions you will take to make sure that all loving families are recognized, respected, protected, and celebrated.» On August 1, Obama responded to Chrisler in a personal letter, stating:
«We also have to do more to support and strengthen LGBT families. Because equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights is not some abstract principle; it’s about whether millions of LGBT Americans can finally live lives marked by dignity and freedom. That’s why we have to repeal laws like the Defense of Marriage Act. That’s why we have to eliminate discrimination against LGBT families. And that’s why we have to extend equal treatment in our family and adoption laws.»
The Family Equality Council is proud to support a number of federal bills benefitting LGBT families. The following lists include bills and efforts Family Equality Council is actively working to enact.
Bills specifically aimed at eliminating discrimination against LGBT people include the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (SB 2521; HR 4838); Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Act (SB 909; HR 1913); Employment Non-Discrimination Act; Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act (SB 1153; HR 2625); and Uniting American Families Act (SB 424; HR 1024).
Bills that broadly benefit families and are inclusive of LGBT families include the Healthy Families Act (SB 1152; HR 2460); Safe Schools Improvement Act (HR 2262); and comprehensive healthcare reform (no bills currently introduced).
