Gay, lesbian federal workers cheer Obama's approval of some benefits

'A GREAT START' | But they're hoping for health care for partners

They're happy, but they could be happier.

Gay and lesbian federal employees warmly greeted President Obama's announcement Wednesday that he was extending what federal benefits he could to their same-sex partners -- especially a week after they felt disrespected by a Justice Department filing that equates gay marriage with incest.

"I will be honest: When I heard this was coming yesterday, I was hopeful the president had found a way to extend all the benefits I receive as a federal employee to my partner," said Doug Ferguson, an attorney for a federal regulatory agency. "I was disappointed today when I learned that was not the case. President Obama had made a lot of promises to the gay and lesbian community, and I have been patient, and I plan to be patient. I understand that a lot of President Obama's promises require congressional action."

Obama said he had researched what he could and could not do and found that he could unilaterally direct administrative agencies to extend family sick-leave policies to same-sex partners, but not health benefits.

"Certain elements of this will benefit me -- I have a partner, and right now if anything happened where he needed long-term care, it would be difficult for me," said Justin St. Andrew, a Veterans Affairs Department employee.

Equality Now President Rick Garcia said many lesbians and gays felt "betrayed" last week when Obama's Justice Department filed a brief supporting the Defense of Marriage Act, even though Obama campaigned on repealing the act. Obama repeated Wednesday that he wants to work with Congress to repeal the act. "The action today mitigates that and does send a message that people should be treated fairly and equitably," Garcia said.

"I view today's memorandum as a great start, and I expect we'll see much more from the president," Ferguson said. "I'm going to be able to take sick leave to take care of my partner if he becomes ill. That's very important, but it's not health insurance. I don't think it's asking too much to be given the same types of benefits as all my straight colleagues who are working around me who have their partners covered."

The new policy allows federal employees to use sick leave to care for same-sex partners and their children. Obama pledged to work for a law to extend full health benefits to same-sex partners.

"I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step," Obama said. "Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it."