Obama signs same-sex benefits memorandum

By Mary Delaware. President Obama issued and signed a memorandum extending federal benefits for same-sex partners for those in the Foreign Service and executive branch of the government.

Obama announced his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which extends the spousal benefits to those of same-sex partners of Federal employees. He also mentioned his commitment to repeal Defense of Marriage Act, saying "It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it."

Those in attendance included Sen. Joe Lieberman and Rep. Tammy Baldwin, whom Obama called "a real leader on this issue, and more broadly on the LGBT struggle for equality."