Gay Workers Benefit - President Barack Obama Signs Memorandum

2009-06-18 03:24:16 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Business, News)

Some activists await bigger strides in the president’s gay rights initiatives.

Wired PR News – President Barack Obama signed a memorandum on Wednesday that increased certain benefits for gay workers; however, some activists for LGBT equal rights await bigger steps toward achieving equality. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), some have expressed skepticism as to whether the president will deliver on many of the promises made during his election campaign.

New York attorney Richard Socarides, who is stated to have advised President Bill Clinton on issues pertaining to the gay community, is quoted as stating of increasing frustrations, “People in the gay community feel he over-promised and under-delivered. Now, with over 250 discharges from the military on his watch … the grace period is over.”

Obama is quoted in the report as stating of the measure signed Wednesday, “We all have to acknowledge this is only one step” and pledged to work towards getting The Defense of Marriage Act repealed.