Judge Orders U.S. To Pay for Same-Sex Partner’s Benefits
On Wednesday, U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Reinhardt ruled that an attorney in the federal public defender's office in Los Angeles is entitled to additional pay to cover the cost of his husband's private health insurance coverage. The federal government cited the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act in its previous refusal to enroll the attorney's husband in the insurance plan offered through the federal courts.
- "Judge Orders Compensation for Gay Couple Who Were Denied Health Care, Other Benefits" (Williams, Los Angeles Times, 11/19).
- "Ruling Favors Married Gay Federal Lawyer" (Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, 11/19).
- "Judge Rules Same-Sex Couple Must Be Repaid After Denial of Benefits" (Walsh, Sacramento Bee, 11/19).