Despite the fact that Obama is making no moves on the federal front to make same-sex marriage legal, he is making strides in other ways. The White House announced today that they will be extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
The announcement to allow access to federal benefits by same-sex couples comes hot on the trail of the Obama administration's praise for the Defense of Marriage Act. Signed into law in 1996 by President Bill Clinton, DOMA does not recognize same-sex marriage at the federal level. It also allows states to choose whether or not they recognize same-sex marriages from other states. Meaning, if you are a same-sex couple and live in Alabama but get married in Massachusetts, Alabama couldn't care less. You're not married in Alabama.
As a federal ban on same-sex marriage, DOMA has been seen by many gay and lesbian activists as a prime target for equal rights. After Reverend Rick Warren's participation in Obama's inauguration put the icing on Obama's anti-gay-marriage-at-the-federal-level cake, many gay activists haven't had much hope for the Obama administration.
Also in the works are State Department benefits to same-sex partners, such as diplomatic passports.
The timing of Obama's announcement couldn't be more delicately arranged. After a negative statement on same-sex marriage (and a positive one on DOMA), a big move like this can do a lot for the administration's image. And! It's Gay Pride month!
Regardless of the administration's motivation or timing, this is a significant step in the long fight for equality.
It is not currently known when same-sex couples will be given access to federal benefits.
Image via integratedlearning.org