Under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, legally married spouses are granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work to care for a seriously ill spouse, parent or child. Same-sex partners are not covered under this law, thus making it impossible for many to be with their partners during times of medical need.
Simply put, same-sex couples are not allowed the same legal right to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period to care for parents, children or spouses. It also allows employees to take leave when they have a child through birth, adoption or foster care.
NGLCC and the Issue:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is pushing to equalize federal treatment of same-sex couples under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The NGLCC is advocating that the federal government include domestic partners in the law. We are working with champions in Congress, the private sector and other LGBT organizations to build support for this legislation.
Members of Congress should support legislation that allows for same sex partners to receive parity for family and medical leave.
