New Proposal Would Make Same-Sex Partners Eligible Under Family and Medical Leave Act
Honestly they shouldn’t have to spell this out or make it more specific - marriage is marriage and equal protection covers this. That said there are enough bigoted people, and just plain ignorant and stupid people that it probably does need to be spelled out to keep the court dockets clear for the cases of states still trying to outright ban same sex marriage.
The Labor Department will issue a proposed rule Friday stating that any employee is eligible for leave to care for a same-sex spouse under the Family and Medical Leave Act, according to White House officials, regardless of whether they live in a state that recognizes their marital status.
White House officials, who asked not to be identified in advance of the official announcement, did not specify how many individuals would be affected by the proposed rule. But given the large number of Americans who regularly take advantage of the federal benefit, it could have an impact on thousands of families.
Due to FMLA’s scope, the Labor Department rule would apply only to private-sector employees, but administration officials said the Office of Personal Management would issue its own proposal Friday extending the same benefits to federal employees.
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