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• 82232
  

  Time to move this one on. It's old.

  Mike Posted July 10, 2009 8:03 AM
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  Criminey, this article has been posted since the 1st of May. Isn't about time to go on to better news than this? We get it, Gov Exec. More socialism.

  Been BRAC'd Posted June 30, 2009 9:42 AM
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  T.O. That is what Paul thought. Jesus was not a bigot by any means. Paul of Tarsus on the other hand hated everyone. This may very well be the last days, but at least understand the history of the bible and the lives of the Apostles and who they were. Jesus uttered not one comment on the subject, and I am geussing he is reserving his judgement for us individually based on our own actions.

  Mike Posted June 29, 2009 1:20 PM
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  To 'just curious'; it seems that one partner had the children and the other legally adopted them; or, maybe they each had a child and adopted the other. As far as I know, only two female frogs can make each other pregnant..lol /-/-/-/-/ To 'christmas tree'; wow..you are so far from the truth that your comment is not worth a reply.

  Debbie Gilbert Posted June 19, 2009 4:29 PM
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  One comment, you MUST first repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, signed by BILL CLINTON before enacting ANY Leftist, PC, Socialist feel-good changes to federal law/benefits. No administrative signatures trump federal law, period. Also, "equal" means the same quantities. Gays/Lesbians are genetically impaired/deficient, as they cannot physically relate to the other half of humanity. So sorry, too bad, adios.

  ChristmasTree Posted June 16, 2009 10:52 PM
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  Unrelated to both sides of the 'controversy' I have to ask.. May 13th Comment by Ali Sue "I have biological children from a lesbian relationship."; that's mind boggling how was that accomplished? I'm not being funny or defamatory I have heard no one else make that claim so how are you both parents of the children? Please no flamers.. I won't care anyway just looking for a simple answer.

  Just Curious Posted June 16, 2009 6:06 PM
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  Concerned: Your entire premise is wrong on 2 counts. 1. No one decides to become homosexual. When did you or I decide to become heterosexual? 2. Your religious beliefs, however, are a choice and a lifestyle. If we choose differently, why should your beliefs apply to me? Treating someone as inferior to you doesn't become "harmony" just because you have the upper hand.

  Allen Posted June 9, 2009 4:26 PM
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  To Concerned African-American: At what point did you "decide" to become an African-American?

  The Decider Posted June 9, 2009 2:34 PM
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  I have to laugh...Being gay or lesbian is not a 'choice', just as you cannot choose to be a boy or a girl, or a skin color. Why would anyone choose to be a minority, or choose to be discriminated against, or choose to be a victim of a hate-crime, or better yet, a heterosexual 'choosing' to be attracted to the same sex that they are? One cannot choose who they fall in love with. We just want equal rights just like any other human being.

  Debbie Gilbert Posted June 9, 2009 2:20 PM
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  To gay and lesbian individuals: deciding to become gay or lesbian was a personal decision and did not involve anyone else, including the government or the laws of this country. I really don't care how people live their lives and its none of my business. However, I do resent the fact that my government feels intimidated to change laws and determine that my tax dollars should pay benefits for the private and personal decision of a group of individuals just because they make a lot of noise about it and use "discrimination" to get what they want. I am a Christian and I have very strong Christian beliefs, but the fact that I don't support laws being changed to support "same-sex partner benefits" does not mean that I am discriminating against anyone. That is the gay and lesbian justification for trying to browbeat people to support that part of the their agenda. I don't judge anyone, nor do I condemn anyone. That is God's job, not mine. I live in harmony with any and everyone that I am in contact with because that's what the Bible teaches. So, don't be so quick to throw the "discrimination" word around, and make sure you know exactly what it means. Be adults and deal with the fact that there are some people who just don't like your lifestyle. And just in case you want to say something ignorant about me or what I've said, consider that I have a family member that I believe is gay, and have also associated with many gay and lesbian people. It still doesn't change my position in the least.

  Concerned African-American Posted June 8, 2009 4:19 PM
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  I would love to be able to put my wife of 12 years on my medical insurance. Taking a position with the government was a great opportunity for me, but it meant losing my wife's insurance. My last employer allowed domestic partner benefits. I know this is a huge debate with the heterosexual community, but just remember this: you can get legally married. I cannot, as the state I live in does not recognize this yet. But, I have hope that someday things will change and the government will catch up with modern times and allow domestic partner benefits.

  Debbie Gilbert Posted June 8, 2009 11:27 AM
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  I've always wondered how doing the right thing by same-sex couples would somehow threaten either my Christianity or my marriage. Maybe my pocketbook, but this is negligible compared to the moral benefit from being on the right side of history.

  John Kroner Posted June 8, 2009 10:49 AM
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  T.O. you are right on. We are witnessing the end times. All of the things we see happening around us are just like it says in the bible, evil is called good and good is called evil. The ones commiting evil will rush after it and disregard all truth and love what they are doing and try to convince others to follow after them. All of this and much more is all foretold in the Word. God does matter and we will ALL have to give account. Repent! God loves you.

  Biblethumper Posted June 5, 2009 5:11 PM
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  T.O

  You are the perfect example as to why our founding father clearly understood the need for separation of church and state. We don't legislate sin (as you call it). who actually wrote Romans. I bet you don't know. I guess you are very disappointed that we don't have slavery or that women can own property as the bible is pro slavery and forbids women from owning property. I bet you really like the part about killing those who aren't christians.

  I don't understand the need to make life difficult for people who don't worship or have sex like you - neither of which has any impact on you.

  By the way - I work for the Government and i am not gay. I just find life a lot better when i don't spend all my time wishing bad things on poeple who are different than me.

  ll Posted June 4, 2009 12:24 PM
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  I never thought I'd live to see these latter days when sins are not only tolerated, but embraced even by "so-called Christians". Many who are calling themselves Christians can't be based on what they're espousing - things that are directly contradictory to the Bible. As for homsexuality, just read Romans Chapter 1 and tell me how God really feels about it! It is a sin like other sin and one must repent of - that means change that behavior that is abhorrent to Almighty God. As true Christians, we should hate the sin but love the sinner. We all will stand in judgment to give account for every deed done. Change your ways or get ready for God's wrath.

  T. O. Roberts Posted June 4, 2009 9:06 AM
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  As a civil servant overseas, I applaud Hillary's move to ensure domestic partners have equal rights. I also applaud our forefathers who had the foresight to seperate church and state and realize that not all Americans are Christians.

  Phillip Posted June 4, 2009 8:46 AM
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  viv, In reply to your comment: "Alyssa, how long will this article be on the 'front' page. enuf already."

  I respond: I hope the article remains posted on the 'front' page until I am afforded the same rights and privileges as my heterosexual colleages - an injustice which you apparently trivialize. If you think you've been waiting a long time for this article to go away, try to imagine how long we've been waiting for our rights... Guerry

  guerry notte Posted June 4, 2009 7:42 AM
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  Thank you for keeping this article in view of all, as a reminder to all that this change is needed now.

  34 Year Civil Servant Posted June 3, 2009 1:56 PM
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  Viv, true enough. Fer Pete's sake, I'm beginning to show signs of mullet poisoning.

  BeauxEau Posted June 3, 2009 10:44 AM
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  Alyssa, how long will this article be on the 'front' page. enuf already.

  viv Posted May 19, 2009 8:22 AM
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  If this is passed, I will demand coverage for my disabled sister who is a member of my household. Why should I be discriminated against simply because of what I am not doing in my bedroom!

  This has to apply to all who are living with someone, whether a friend or a bed partner. It will drive the U.S. government to bankruptsy and raise our Health Insurance rates, but hey, things are already going that way.

  Hope Posted May 18, 2009 2:10 PM
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  Those that claim to be "christians". What happened to not being judgmental? It is not our place to judge anyone. If god says it is wrong to be gay and you follow that then why not follow when he says judge not less yee be judged. We are to love not judge! And to those that don't know what this is about, the benefits are for domestic partners, one doesn't have to be gay to reap the benefits.

  Johnnie G Posted May 17, 2009 3:30 PM
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  Peenut... did you read the article? They would like to extend benefits to all domestic partners, not just gay couples. And can you please tell me how someone in a relationship is single? What kind of bizarre logic is that?

  JJones Posted May 15, 2009 4:34 PM
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  Biblethumper: sounds like you wish to turn-back-the-clock to the good 'ole days of the Spainish Inquisition. For myself, I'd rather not....

  David Posted May 15, 2009 1:22 PM
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  I live in an area of the country where the church (LDS) runs all state and local governments. They claim that that is not true but if you are born and raised here you soon realize it is. My hope is that someday the LDS faith will become true christians and except everyone. This is a great step in the right direction for our govenment. I believe the way our government treats Gays and Lesbians should be the same for all its people. They should have the same rights and benefits as the rest of us. Peolpe (PLEASE) live your own life and let other people live theres. What they are doing does you or your family ant harm! CW Bullock (utah)

  Carl Bullock Posted May 15, 2009 8:37 AM
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  First of all, marriage is not sacred. A church wedding might be, but a civil ceremony is not. There are sham marriages, marriages of convenience, and marriages full of adultry and unfaithfullness. If two people, regardless of their gender, are involved in a faithful, dedicated, loving and long term relationship, they should not be forced to marry in order to be afforded the rights and benefits of a married couple. And for the most part, a gay couple can't get legally married, except in a handful of states. All true domestic partners should have the right to marry or not, regardless of their gender. And all such partners should have the rights and benefits of a married couple, for such partners are not SINGLE, but just as, or even more so TOGETHER as any married couple.

  John Swift Posted May 15, 2009 12:47 AM
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  After reading many of these comments, I am thankful for our doctrine of the separation of church of state. Many of the comments from those that claim to be "Christian" are hateful and mean-spirited. If I were to hear any of these discriminatory comments in the workplace, I would ensure that the employee would be disciplined. I support same-sex partner benefits. I do not see how we can justify our current policy constitutionally.

  Supervisory Attorney Posted May 14, 2009 10:40 PM
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  I'll keep it simple: This hetro fed enthusiastically supports partner benefits for gay and lesbian feds. It's the human and right thing to do when marriage is not a possibility

  Union Fed Posted May 14, 2009 4:53 PM
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  Dean P. You need to read Leviticus Chapters 18 and 20. Christians should back up all they say with the truth from the Bible. All our opinions don't matter to God but all of us will one day stand in front of him to be judged. I hope to be at the Beama seat(Good), not the Great White throne of Judgment.(Not good) Remeber what happened with Sodom and Gamorhha. God sent fire and hail storms that wiped it out.

  We also forget our country was founded upon Godly principles. It is these type of selfish desires that is bringing our country down. We are all Americans and there should not be special benefits because we are gay, male or female, young or old, black or white, etc. This is what is hurting our country, both morally and financially.

  Joe Smoe Posted May 14, 2009 11:58 AM
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  This whole issue about opinions is misleading. Gay marriage is wrong because God says so. It is not "my" opinion. All of our opinions mean nothing, gay or straight. What a chaotic world if we all made up the rules as we go.

  Biblethumper Posted May 13, 2009 2:01 PM
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  Some of these comments are beyond narrow minded and insulting.

  Gays do fall in love and have long relationships that we consider as significant as heterosexual relationships. In this Country it was once the law that slaves could not be married. So slaves would have their own version of a marriage event called "Jumping the broom."

  Only the 2 people in love that are adults have a right to quantify their relationship. Not those outside of the relationship.

  Gays have served in the military as well as died in service to this great and wonderful nation. We also have children. I have biological children from a lesbian relationship. They are all teenagers now.

  Please open your hearts and minds and get past the prejudice you have been taught.

  Ali Sue Posted May 13, 2009 11:55 AM
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  I am a veteran, Christian by persuasion, and as hetero as they come. I support either making "partner benefits" available to everyone or to no one. Whacked out religious rhetoric should never be the qualification for any benefit in the US, compassion for everyone should be our mantra. We expend way too much emotional and intellectual energy resisting figments of our imaginations when the real issues, i.e., better quality of life, eludes us all.

  Corncob Posted May 13, 2009 11:33 AM
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  This infuriates me. Gays are SINGLE, just like any other SINGLE person. As far as I am concerned, this violates the rights of single persons & I think single people should file a class action lawsuit if this happens. What this means is if I am single, straight, & in a long-term relationship I don't qualify for anything. But if I am gay I can get all kinds of additional benefits & legal coverage for myself &/or my live-in. Totally unfair. This would FORCE single people to marry in order to receive benefits equivalent to gays. What is this country coming to??

  Peenut Posted May 13, 2009 8:15 AM
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  OK, DeanP, here it is, for believing and practicing Christians, others should follow the dictates of their faith. Paul's letter to the Romans, vs. 25-32. If you really believe in the Pentecost, when the disciples were given the authority of Christ and the Holy Spirt, you cannot disregard this text. Likewise, in non-religious civil terms, Bill Clinton SIGNED THE 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law which has NOT been repealed, or found unconstitutional by the SCUS (Supreme Court of the United States of America). Recent studies indicate that homsexual/lesbian behavior is caused by insufficient amounts of brain protein while in the womb, or perhaps a recessive gene. Whatever, you have neither scripture or federal law on your side, only a sad, pathetic genetic deficiency....

  ChristmasTree Posted May 12, 2009 9:37 PM
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  Those that say they are Gay Christians ought to try reading the Bible sometime. It is an oxymoron. If you are truly a born again Christian you would no longer follow in a sin that leads to death. Get real and get God, we are in the end times as witnessed by the unfolding of world events. Not much time left. Blessings.

  Joe Posted May 12, 2009 5:25 PM
• 77413
  

  Perhaps we should be looking at this issue as a Constitutional issue, regarding the separation of Church and State.

  The Church and the State are together on this one; the Church ceremony of marriage is accepted by the State.

  The choices are simple. The Church absolutely has the right to refuse the ceremony to same-sex couples. However, the State, by the Constitution, would have to invalidate the ceremony, for every American citizen.

  Bryan B. Posted May 12, 2009 2:54 PM
• 77409
  

  I left my job with the federal government two years ago and moved to a private firm that offers domestic partner benefits. It wasn't the only reason I decided to do this, but I would not consider going back to the government until its policy changes. Shortly after I changed jobs, my partner was seriously injured, and if we hadn't had health insurance through my job, we would have been in an even more terrible situation. These are issues of fundamental fairness, but it's also important to recognize that there is a real interest in government encouraging stable relationships and famlies of all sorts. Denying rights and benefits to gay and lesbian people ignores the reality that we exist and always will. Believe what you want about us, but government needs to make policy based on the facts of its citizens' lives, not on what some people -- an ever-shrinking minorty, I might add -- think those lives should be.

  Aaron Posted May 12, 2009 1:38 PM
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  I am also a veteran and gay and a Christian. To those who would deny me my righs based on their religion, I ask what about my freedom of religion? I believe that intolerance goes against the teachings of Jesus. I also believe that neither my religion nor yours has any place in our government.

  Sam Posted May 11, 2009 11:14 PM
• 77311
  

  One reason for the small enrollment for domestic partnership benefits is that they are taxed as income. Another is that the partner may have their own job and benefits. Lastly, enrollment in a domestic partner benefits program may "out" the employee and subject them to discrimination.

  just me Posted May 11, 2009 8:21 PM
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  I really wish all the people who describe homosexuality as "immoral" could perhaps explain why. Saying something is wrong doesn't make it so. Who is being harmed? How is anyone being harmed? They can never explain; they just make up some "oh it's bad because it makes baby Jesus cry" without a single fact to support it.

  DeanP Posted May 11, 2009 8:17 PM
• 77309
  

  I recently graduated at the top of my class at a top 20 university, studying foreign affairs. A State Dept. career has always been a dream of mine, but I'm not entertaining the idea until they offer me and my spouse equal benefits. Until then, it's private sector for me.

  Elizabeth Posted May 11, 2009 7:59 PM
• 77308
  

  are there enough votes to pass the legislation in Senate and House this Congress? if yes, what's timing?

  Brendan Posted May 11, 2009 5:52 PM
• 77114
  

  Some of the comments about Domestic Partner benefits are way out of line and are based on ultra right wing "Christian" fundamentalism. I fail to see what being a Christian has to do with being a citizen petitioning the government for equal provisions of benefits. After all being a Christian is a choice should we discriminate against you? Why should I pay taxes to subsidies your sexual choice...didn't you choose to be heterosexual? I served my country in the armed forces and I serve now in civil service, and I am a proud American, why would I expect anything but full inclusion? The argument that my life style is unacceptable because of some peoples religious views are neither Christian nor American. The argument that somehow this will cost more and be an undo burden on the government does not hold water either. If we want to use that argument, lets not give anyone's partner or spouse access to benefits, after all why should I pay for some heterosexuals lifestyle. Let's just give benefits and accommodations to employees only, after all you can always buy your wife or husband a policy...right? Either all employees should have the same options or none. As for the comment from the so called "Christians"... I am not asking you to allow me to set at God's table...I am telling you to get your feet out of my chair! There are many Christians that do not share your view. Please don't hide behind your religion to justify your hate and fear, take ownership of your views, you don't do God justice by distorting His grace or his views. Tim Karr

  Tim Karr Posted May 7, 2009 9:49 PM
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  " We can still be friends but there is no way that we will every say that that lifestyle is okay. It goes directly against Biblical teaching."

  Divorce does even more so, but you folks never say a word about that.

  Pa/Ma Posted May 7, 2009 4:53 PM
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  I have defended my country in the armed forces, I am an American born of American citizens. I am also a Gay Christian. I am not asking anyone for anything but to treat me as an equal citizen. To my Christian family...I am not asking for a seat at God's table...I am tell you to get your feet out of my chair so I can set down. Your hate and entolorance is neather Christian or American. Until you walk in my shoes. Set down, shut up and mind your own business.

  Tim Karr Posted May 6, 2009 10:02 PM
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  Stephanie...just because someone is Christian doesn't mean that they haven't met or don't have homo/bisexual friends. We can still be friends but there is no way that we will every say that that lifestyle is okay. It goes directly against Biblical teaching.

  As a side note, the government's role is to protect us. Therefore it should not be condoning something that is wrong and sinful.

  Nathan Posted May 6, 2009 2:21 PM
• 76957
  

  I can relate to the story of the two State Department employees. I have had two overseas assignments. At both overseas posts, my dog had more rights and privilegs than my parter. My dog was provided Vet care on base, but yet my partner was denied health care, spouse hiring preference, or any other benefits or services afforded to spouses of Federal Employees and Military serving overseas. I share Stephanie's comment below. I am also surrounded by right-winged religious fanatics that will have a difficult time accepting equal treatment of Gays and Lesbians. I have endured 34 years of their hateful comments and jokes about gays, and I see no end in sight to that behavior.

  34 Year Civil Servant Posted May 6, 2009 1:11 PM
• 76905
  

  I really appreciate your fair-minded coverage of the issue. As a gay employee in the Federal government, my family has had to make some very difficult and sometimes very costly decisions regarding healthcare and relocation. I look forward to the day where my relationship status will not unfairly disadvantage me, my family, and my career.

  DJCHBF Posted May 6, 2009 9:12 AM
• 76904
  

  NO NO NO! The Government should not spend any tax dollars to support, promote, or fund this immoral activity. The only support the Government should provide is an offer for counseling in the hopes that homosexuals would recover and begin to function as human beings are intended to.

  American Posted May 6, 2009 9:11 AM
• 76894
  

  I'm overjoyed to see this finally happen. I retired three years ago, so it's too late for me, but this is critical for recruitment and retention of the best people who wish to serve the public. John Barry is a hero for the GLBT community.

  retiredgayfed Posted May 6, 2009 8:27 AM
• 76887
  

  Thank you for this story. I definitely will want to stay longer in Government if we have equal benefits.

  William Cox Posted May 6, 2009 8:13 AM
• 76884
  

  Bisexuality is simply lust. What will be added next, bestiality? I feel like I have entered the Twilight Zone. I need to stop reading the news on all this gay and lesbian rights/movement before I am pegged as having bulemia, as it all makes me throw up. A few more years for me until retirement. I think I will find me a nice little place in Montana -just somewhere as far away from all this as I can, and don't follow me!

  viv Posted May 6, 2009 8:04 AM
• 76874
  

  It's about time. We need to make working for the government as attractive as possible, and recognizing same-sex relationships is a good start.

  Rachel Posted May 6, 2009 7:20 AM
• 76859
  

  This is so foreign to my place of employment.. all fundamentalist christian republicans. I doubt they have ever met a gay person. I wonder how this new policy will sit with them, since they feel the domestic partners are doomed to fires of hell. The government has alot of training to do before rolling this out. There could be considerable hater alerts..

  Stepanie Posted May 5, 2009 8:45 PM
• 76700
  

  Thanks for covering this often neglected story. DP benefits for federal employees, a relatively non-controversial issue, is often overshadowed by the debate over same-sex marriage. Most of my coworkers don't even realize the benefits they take for granted are not available to the spouses of GLBT employees and their children. I for one would consider staying in the federal service longer if these benefits were available.

  JA Posted May 4, 2009 2:28 PM