President Obama has issued a memorandum that directs federal agencies to do what they can to offer same-sex domestic partners the same benefits they offer opposite-sex spouses.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is working with other agencies to determine what benefits agencies can legally offer same-sex partners, according to OPM officials.
Some benefits that may be extended could include access to day care and access to employee assistance programs, officials say.
The OPM believes agencies also can offer same-sex partner access to gym and credit union memberships, career counseling and assistance services, government medical facilities, and lodging allowances, officials say.
Agencies need legislative changes to offer same-sex partners access to the kinds of health insurance benefits and retirement benefits that opposite-sex spouses now get, officials say.
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