President Obama, Time To Keep Your Promise To Support Equal Healthcare Rights For Gay Couples
Today’s New York Times reports, “Obama on Spot Over a Benefit to Gay Couples“:
“Just seven weeks into office, President Obama is being forced to confront one of the most sensitive social and political issues of the day: whether the government must provide health insurance benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.”
Daily Kos warns us:
“So let me get this … ahem … straight: if the President honors his campaign pledge to “fight hard” for gay rights, he will alienate Republicans? And what would that look like? My guess is, exactly like the past 52 days.”
Well, just a reminder, from candidate Obama’s website:
Barack Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples, including the right to assist their loved ones in times of emergency as well as equal health insurance, employment benefits, and property and adoption rights. Obama also believes we need to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions.
Obama needs to take a stand here for gay rights. We helped him win and it’s time he stand by his promises. Seems like the right choice is the easy choice, doesn’t it?
Â
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.