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Married Same-Sex Couples to Receive More Benefits

"Federal benefits and obligations for same-sex married couples will be provided, regardless of where the couple lives," an official said.
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Rick Bowmer / AP

The Obama administration on Friday will announce a plan to expand federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples.

"In almost all instances, federal benefits and obligations for same-sex married couples will be provided, regardless of where the couple lives," an administration official said ahead of the announcement.

The Department of Labor is set to issue a notice of proposed rule-making on the Family and Medical Leave Act, clarifying that an employee is eligible for leave to care for a same-sex spouse.

The Justice Department will also announce completion of an overall review of policy in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

The announcement builds on changes that have already been made at many federal agencies.

It comes soon after President Barack Obama announced another executive action that would ban federal contractors from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

- Kristin Welker and Carrie Dann