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Loading ...U.S. House holds hearing on equal employment benefits for LGBT federal employees
07.08.2009 5:30pm EDT
(Washington) The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and the District of Columbia held the first U.S. House hearing on H.R. 2517, the “Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act” (DPBO) today.
Coordinated by Committee Chairman Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), the hearing highlighted the important need for equal employment benefits for LGBT federal civilian employees.“This historic hearing is an important step toward guaranteeing equal compensation for lesbian and gay workers serving our government at home and abroad,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, in written testimony. “Equal pay for equal work is a value fundamental to American opportunity. The federal government should be the standard bearer for fair workplace practices, but has lagged behind the top employers for too long. By passing the DPBO, Congress can bring the federal workforce into the 21st century, ensuring that all of its workers are treated fairly and that the best and brightest are attracted to federal service.”
The hearing included testimony from several witnesses, including Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); OPM Director John Berry; Former Ambassador Michael Guest; Carol Wright, VP for Corporate Human Resources at American Airlines; Lee Badgett of the Williams Institute; Candy Holmes, a GAO employee testifying on her own behalf; and Gregory Franklin from the California Public Employees’ Retirement System.
“Building and maintaining a strong workforce begins with treating workers fairly. LGBT federal workers in committed relationships are not offered the same employment benefits as their married coworkers. This is wrong,” said Rep. Baldwin. “It is time for the federal government to follow the lead of many private sector employers who value all their workers and provide employee benefits that cover all families.”
The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO) was introduced in the 111th Congress by Senators Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in the Senate and by Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) in the House.
The act would provide the same family benefits to lesbian and gay federal civilian employees as are already provided to employees with different-sex spouses. To receive benefits, employees would have to submit an affidavit of eligibility for benefits with the Office of Personnel Management, certifying that the employee and domestic partner meet necessary criteria.
DPBO would bring employment practices in the federal government in line with those of America’s largest and most successful corporations. Fifty-seven percent of Fortune 500 companies provide domestic partner benefits to their employees. In addition, 23 states, the District of Columbia, and over 150 local governments make benefits available to public employees and their same-sex partners. A May 2000 poll conducted by the Associated Press found that a majority of Americans favor the extension of health insurance coverage to same-sex partners. In addition, this legislation has been endorsed by the American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Harvard University, National Treasury Employees Union and United Church of Christ.
“It is time for the federal government to be doing what many Fortune 500 companies have been doing and that is provide federal benefits to gay federal civilian employees as we do with different-sex spouses. The federal government should be leading by example in this clear case of equal pay for all. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and send an unequivocal message that the federal government treats all its employees equally,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen.
There will NOT be one Republican who will support this effort, of this you can place a sure thing bet!
True, but the Log Cabin types will nonetheless continue to say how much better the Republican Party is for GLBT rites. Obama may not have actually done much – yet – though there is some sign of modest movement on some issues of late – even the speech he gave around Gay Pride would NEVER have taken place with a Republican President. Though speeches don’t amount to very much, it IS better than nothing, and NOTHING is what you can expect from the GOP.
I had hoped the fetish of bipartisanship had left Congress but with all the lobbyists passing out $$$$$ anything is possible, I suppose. This is all nice for federal employees but the fact the Administration is making much of little, leaves me feeling that Obama is not the right POTUS for this era.
These are very important steps towards equality. How can the federal government pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), when it’s own house is not in order? Equal pay for equal work and employment protections for federal LGBT government employees (including the armed forces) is a must!
There is not a snowball’s day in hell that Republicans will support not just this, but anything that would benefit gay people as long as the religious loonies have conplete control of that party.
R & R and Ian: Did you even read the article? The bill has Republican sponsors.
Well, will miracles ever cease? You mean there are some Republicans who truly believe in equality? Next you’re going to tell me that the moon isn’t really cheese. Hope springs eternal. If only Hope would change her skivies.
There is no equality in the private sector either. The benefits provided by employers to married heterosexual couples such as health care for a workers spouse are not taxed by the federal government. When such benefits are provided to a domestic partner or same sex spouse, the value of the provided benifits is taxed as ordinary income.
Brian Conlin: But that taxation has nothing to do with the companies in question. It’s the fact that the tax code doesn’t give same-sex couples equal status.
R&R, You mean except for Sen. Collins and Rep. Lehtinen, right?
Kari Said: July 8th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Brian Conlin: But that taxation has nothing to do with the companies in question. It’s the fact that the tax code doesn’t give same-sex couples equal status.”
I was just pointing out the inequality in the federal policy. Equal does not mean equal and the sponsors of this legislation should not use phrases like “Equal pay for equal work is a value fundamental to American opportunity.” when their legislation does not even address these unfair inequalities.
If this means social security benefits etc….than good…but I’ll believe it when I see it.
There are quite a few Republican supporters, as well as Republican sponsors…so the whack job nutbag Christians do not have as much pull as they thought… maybe they should ask their magic talking snake for advice…
Gay men and lesbians with their same-sex partners are DENIED 1,367 rights under the federal government because of DOMA since 1996. What a stupid law – the states should have control of marriage, not the federal Government.
DOMA should be repealed into the shredder!!!!
DADT is so stupid, outdated since it was implemented in 1993. I had a boyfriend who was a marine three years ago (currently in Iraq). I love marines!!!! I loved sleeping with those HOT marines and had some excellent sex!!!!!! At the moment. I am single and looking for another marine!!!!!
If Obama thinks it is “too hard” for the basket – I can repeal the DOMA and DADT laws for him. I will put those two laws into the big shredder – never to be seen again!!!!
It is not that hard to do Obama!!!! – those laws are only a couple of pages long (ready for the shredder).
The problem with Obama;
* He is a muslim (with a middle name of Hussain)
* He is black (plainly obvious to see)
* He is stuck in the 1990s when it comes to DOMA and DADT – since they were both passed by Democrates in the mid 1990s “out of the fear and rise of homosexual activism”.
Were is our “fierce advocate” now??????
Steve From Vermont,
How racist of you, blacks have as much right to be president as you do. They can’t help their skin color anymore than you can help yours. And you are the far northerners that are supposed to save our nation and lead the way for us and know what’s best for ALL of us with a few silly “f” words tossed in about those of us who are southerners and westerners…you’re no better than a racist white southerner when you talk white trash like that.
Dieter how sick of you..seeking advise from a talking snake, really,
And then we have our own resident antimale sexist Menstruator.
You know, I’ve spent way too much time here. I should be up in Maine doing volunteer work for those seeking to preserve equality and I will.
Keep on talking your madman talk about burning down churches, keep right on being you very own hateful and crazy selves making racist and sexist comments, commeents including the “c” word aimed at women as I have seen from time to time here, I am finished with all of you. You are not worth the time of day. Goodbye for good!