Take Action on Domestic Partnerships

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a session to mark-up the Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations (DPBO) Act (H.R. 2517) – a bill that would provide the same family benefits to lesbian and gay federal civilian employees and their partners that mirror those offered to married heterosexual couples. A mark-up session is one of the final steps before the full House of Representatives votes on a bill; sometimes, opponents of a bill use the mark-up session to add amendments intended to kill the bill before it is ever considered by the full House of Representatives, which is why it is essential that your Representative hears from you today!
Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act, introduced by Representative Tammy Baldwin, D (WI-2), would bring employment practices in the federal government in line with those of America’s largest and most successful corporations. In fact, 57 percent of Fortune 500 companies provide domestic partner benefits to their employees. In addition, 16 states and more than 200 local governments offer domestic partnership benefits to their public employees.
At COLAGE, we know that families are healthiest and most able to thrive when they receive equal protections, rights and recognition. The Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act would be an important step in treating families with gay and lesbian parents as equals. Please call or email your Representative TODAY and ask for their support on this bill. You can look up your Representative’s contact information by clicking HERE. Keep your message short and simple- Identify yourself as a member of COLAGE and tell them why it’s important that they pass this bill.