President Obama signed a memo in June of last year extending some benefits to same sex partners of federal workers. On June 1st The Office of Personal Management broadened the definition of relatives to include same sex domestic partners of federal workers. This allows same sex partners to apply for benefits beginning next month. This extension of the definition of relatives did not apply, however, to opposite sex domestic partners because they can obtain the same benefits through marriage. The federal worker must simply submit a form, which states that the two people are domestic partners and intend to stay together indefinitely, to their employer. These couples are not required to provide further evidence of the relationship because the Office of Personal Management said that it would burden the couples more than other relatives.
This change in federal policy is a big step in, what seems to be the right direction, for equality for same sex couples. The federal government as proven to be very proactive on this particular issue compared to others. I hope that this will set a trend of political tolerance and acceptance for all same sex couples.
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