First, principle is at stake. Equality, fair mindedness, and respect for diversity are at the heart of America's identity.

We have families that we love, that we need to take care of, just as you do.

This issue is hard only because we make it so.

The government to which I have devoted 33 years of my working life will not honor my partnership because I love another woman, not a man.

Being treated so unfairly now because of who I love is more than a matter of fairness; it is an issue of civil rights.

It is disturbing and demoralizing to be treated as a second-class citizen and worker.

Government should work for us, not against us.

Marriage by another name is of concern to me and I think the majority of Americans.

correcting a longstanding injustice which has resulted in some Federal workers not receiving equal pay for equal work.

These provisions have been specifically added as strong fraud prevention language.

We lag behind in the fact that the Federal Government does not offer these employment benefits.

I, in no way, view this measure, as limited as it is, as a way to replicate marriage by another name.

I regard this very much as an issue of equal compensation for equal work where we have identified a glaring discrepancy based merely on sexual orientation.

I would hope that the fact that literally thousands of private sector corporations and State and local units of government have seen fit to enact domestic partnership registries and offer employment benefits would give some comfort.

I think additional clarity, because of the progress being made in a number of States, is warranted.

That would be very welcome.

Congresswoman Baldwin has recommended it be filed with OPM.

this is a mechanism that allows people like myself who've been in a 13-plus-year relationship to be able to provide for my family.