Support Domestic Partnership Benefits for Federal Employees

We've all heard about ENDA and are delighted that it's working its way through Congress. But there's another bill making its way through Congress that would touch many LGBT people's lives, but which no one seems to be talking about: The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (DPBO), which has been progressing quietly -- and is coming up for a vote.

The DPBO would extend to same-sex couples working for the federal government the same benefits now enjoyed by different-sex married couples. The federal government is the country's largest civilian employer and this law would affect thousands of same sex couples.

The federal government lags behind business, states, and towns all over the country. Fifty-nine percent of Fortune 500 companies, 22 states, the District of Columbia, and 150 municipalities all provide domestic partnership benefits to employees. Just last month, Washington State voters upheld domestic partnership benefits when conservative forces tried to strip them from Washington State couples. These benefits are good for communities and good for business.

Send your Congressional Representatives and Senators a letter today telling them that you support the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (S. 1102 and H.R. 2517). The vote in Congress could come as soon as November 19th, so pleae act now!

Thank you!

Talking Points

Employers should not discriminate. The lack of federal benefits for same-sex couples penalizes federal workers, who aren't receiving equal compensation for equal work.

Offering benefits for domestic partners is good business. According to a recent report, the better the company performs, the more likely it is to offer benefits that serve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers.

Attracting the best and the brightest. Like any employer, the federal government wants to recruit the best employees. Providing excellent benefits to same-sex couples makes it more competitive.

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

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