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Obama Offers Gays Too Little, Too Late

Toothless federal-benefits gesture falls flat in LGBT community

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 17, 2009 11:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama’s memorandum giving gay federal workers some of the benefits straight ones enjoy has gone over like a lead balloon in the gay community, Politico reports. Advocates say it’s a weak gesture because the Defense of Marriage Act—which the administration recently defended—prevents it from including health or retirement benefits. “Are they kidding us?” asked one activist. “It is like rubbing salt in the wound.”

Many corporations already extend full benefits to gay couples, including health and retirement. Worse, the memorandum will expire when Obama leaves office. “Welcome to 1999,” one activist says. “How revolutionary of the White House to give benefits to same-sex couples, when two-thirds of conservative Wall Street are already doing it.” Blog Queerty adds that it’s “seriously late,” and “the absolute minimum Obama could do.”

Gay-pride participants hold signs in support of then-candidate Barack Obama at the LA Pride Parade, June 8, 2008, in West Hollywood, Calif. (Getty Images)

Dozens of gay-rights protesters demonstrate outside the Beverly Hills hotel, where President Barack Obama attended a Democratic Party fundraiser May 27, 2009. (AP Photo)

Supporters of Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., join hands during a prayer at a rally in Selma, Texas, Feb. 29, 2008. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

vendetta

Jun 17, 2009 8:07 AM CDT

He has failed us on this. I voted for him, I would probably vote for him again just to not have a republican in office- but he has failed us and the gay community on this. And he has failed us on the wars. He said he would bring the troops home, he wont. 50,000 troops being left behind in IRAQ isnt bringing them home.

kokuaguy

Jun 17, 2009 7:28 AM CDT

As if you cared about gays, Timmie.

Timinator2K

Jun 17, 2009 6:05 AM CDT

Gays getting false promises from His Deceivingness? Welcome to the club!

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Obama Offers Gays Too Little, Too Late

Toothless federal-benefits gesture falls flat in LGBT community

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Barack Obama • gay rights • benefits • Obama administration • President Obama • Defense of Marriage Act • gay activists

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Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

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'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

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At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Obama Offers Gays Too Little, Too Late

Toothless federal-benefits gesture falls flat in LGBT community

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • gay rights • benefits • Obama administration • President Obama • Defense of Marriage Act • gay activists

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?