Obama expands benefits available to gay federal workers

The same-sex domestic partners of U.S. government employees gained expanded access to benefits this week after President Barack Obama issued a memorandum outlining a new policy. LGBT federal workers do not yet enjoy the full range of benefits offered to their straight, married colleagues, but Obama said he hoped to sign pending legislation that would accomplish that goal. "I renew my call for swift passage of an important piece of legislation pending in both Houses of Congress -- the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act," Obama said in a statement.