A federal lawyer in the United States who launched a legal
battle to get health benefits for her lesbian partner has been
victorious, this week.
Earlier today, the Obama administration is said to have asked Blue
Cross Blue Shield - a federation of 38 separate health insurance
organisations and companies in America - to offer the wife of Karen
Golinski, Amy Cunninghis, full benefits.
Previously, Golinski's partner had been denied access to the same
health benefits of her heterosexual peers because of the Defense of
Marriage Act. But, last month, a judge ruled that it was
unconstitutional.
Previously, the Obama administration had maintained that
Cunninghis should not be covered by such healthcare benefits.
But, in a significant u-turn, they are now pressing forward -
despite an appeal being mounted by supporters of the Defense of
Marriage Act, commonly referred to as DOMA.
According to the Washington Post newspaper, gay rights advocates
believe this is the first time such coverage has been allowed.
"We're thrilled for Karen and Amy who have been waiting for
years for this equal treatment," said Tara Borelli, a lawyer with
Lambda Legal, told the Washington Post.
"We're also committed to pressing this case forward to ensure
that other same sex couples just like them can receive same
treatment."
