Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., introduced legislation July 13 that would allow for domestic-partnership benefits for non-married federal employees, both gay and straight.
The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act [ H.R. 3267 ] would allow non-married partners of federal employees to apply for benefits such as health insurance, retirement benefits, life insurance, and compensation for work injuries.
'The time has come for the federal government to recognize the changing workforce and value its employees,' Frank said. 'Corporate America is way out in front of the government because they know it is good business. The federal government needs to understand this and allow unmarried employees the ability to take care of their families.'
He calls it an issue of fairness. 'Non-married people working for the federal government should be given the same right as their married counterparts. There is simply not good reason to discriminate among federal employees in committed relationships.'
The bill has 52 cosponsors, all Democrats. Frank has introduced similar legislation in ever session of Congress beginning in 1997. At that time, he acknowledged that the Clinton administration did not support the measure 'because it is not revenue neutral,' meaning that it would cost money.
A similar measure was introduced on Valentine's Day 2001 with 79 cosponsors. A Senate version of the bill was introduced by Mark Dayton, D-Minn., in 2002, though he declined to introduce similar measures in subsequent years.
The bill has never had a hearing in either chamber.
'Corporate American is leaving the federal government in its dust,' said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. 'If it wants to attract and retain the best employees it will have to adopt the equal benefits practices of the country's largest and most successful businesses.'
[The following comment was submitted the day after publication of this story.]
Correction Request
In yesterday's article 'DP Benefits for Federal Employees Introduced,' by Bob Roehr, he stated 'A Senate version of the bill was introduced by Mark Dayton, D-Minn., in 2002, though he declined to introduce similar measures in subsequent years.' This statement is in reference to The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (H.R. 3267). This information is incorrect. Not only has Senator Dayton worked closely with the Human Rights Campaign on this issue he currently holds (and always has) as a top legislative priority, but he has also been the lead sponsor of the Senate companion bill for the past two Congresses (S.2874 in 107th and S.1252 in 108th). Therefore, Mark has indroduced this legislation every Congressional session in which he has served in office.
Further, he has been in discussion with HRC and his Senate colleagues as to the reintroduction of the bill during this, the 109th Congress. As he is not seeking reelection, it has not been decided yet if he will reintroduce this important legislation, or if he will defer to a colleague to can continue to fight for this bill in the Senate after Mark leaves at the end of next year. However, if no other Senator agrees to reintroduce this bill, Mark will certainly do so. -- Colleen Murray, Deputy Press Secretary, U.S. Senator Mark Dayton