Feds Boost Same-Sex Benefits

The Obama administration has further extended benefits granted to the same-sex partners of federal employees, building on the benefits given last year. Same-sex partners can now get family-assistance services, hardship transfers, and relocation expenses; in 2009, civil service employees got long-term-care insurance and more sick leave, while foreign service workers got health care overseas, job opportunities on post, cost-of-living adjustments, and medical evacuation. Gay-rights activists are still advocating for retirement, health-care, and survivor benefits, but the White House says that would violate the federal Defense of Marriage Act. Obama wants to repeal that law.