Obama's benefits plan misses the mark

President Obama signed an Executive Order last night extending sick leave and long term care benefits to same-sex federal workers but does not go so far as to include health care or retirement benefits. Needless to say, there was much rancor over the slight nod in our direction.

U.S. Rep Jared Polis an openly gay Democrat from Colorado said:

“I am glad the president has decided to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. The exclusion of health care and retirement benefits because of DOMA, however, provides little real benefit to same-sex partners and is a far cry from the equality we seek. I again call on the president to repeal DOMA or work with Congress to end this law.”

Still the order is a step in the right direction. The Gay Rights Movement has suffered setbacks over the last year, but also cleared many hurdles. Seven states now have legalized gay marriage with still others working in that direction. Prop 8 was a stunning setback for California, but many believe the stage is set for a federal case to be made.