Sexual Orientation and the Law Blog

Federal domestic partner benefits legislation is reintroduced in both houses of Congress

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO) was introduced yesterday in the Senate and House.  The bill, sponsored by Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) in the House and Sens. Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in the Senate, would provide benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal civilian employees on the same basis as spousal benefits.  These benefits would include participation in applicable retirement programs, life and health insurance benefits, and family and medical leave.  A Lieberman press release is available here.  Information based on previously introduced versions of the legislation is available from the Human Rights Campaign.

-SS

Marriage opponents find themselves out-organized and underfinanced in New York

Something of a role reversal?  According to the NYT, opponents of marriage equality in New York "say they feel outgunned and underfinanced."  The State Assembly passed a marriage bill 89 to 52 last week, and marriage-equality advocates are pushing for a vote in the closely divided Senate before the end of June.

-SS

May Lesbian/Gay Law Notes available

The May issue of Professor Art Leonard's indispensable publication, Lesbian/Gay Law Notes, is available here.  It features Art's in-depth and authoritative analysis of the Iowa Supreme Court's marriage decision and its implications, as well as coverage of legislative developments in Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Maine.

-SS