No Federal Benefits For Gay Couples In Civil Unions

The Obama administration will not extend benefits to the families of gay and lesbian federal workers in a civil union or domestic partnership.

Following a Supreme Court ruling overturning part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Obama administration moved quickly to recognize the legal marriages of gay couples.

But, according to The Washington Post, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees federal workers, announced that couples who are not married “will remain ineligible for most federal benefit programs.” Some benefits previously extended to domestic partners, however, will remain intact.

OPM will extend benefits to the spouses and children of married federal workers, regardless of whether they live in a state that does not recognize their marriage.

Proponents of civil unions have previously held up the institution as equal to marriage in terms of benefits. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), for example, has previously backed civil unions as an alternative to full marriage in states where both were being debated.

Currently four states – New Jersey, Hawaii, Illinois and Colorado – recognize gay couples with civil unions. Gay couples can enter a domestic partnership in several states, including Oregon, Nevada and Wisconsin.