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Two Federal Lawyers Win Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses in 9th Circuit Orders
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ABA Journal
2/5/2009
"Two federal judges on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals have required payment of health insurance benefits to same-sex spouses of lawyers employed by the U.S. government.
"Judge Stephen Reinhardt and Chief Judge Alex Kozinski issued the orders as hearing officers for circuit employee disputes, the Daily Journal reports (sub. req.). Reinhardt's order declared the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.
"...Jennifer Pizer acknowledged that the orders do not create direct precedent. But she told the Daily Journal that 'they will become part of our national conversation about fairness and equality for same?sex couples.'"