New Benefits for Same-Sex Couples May Be Hard to Implement Abroad

June 22, 2009 -- President Barack Obama signed a memorandum last week extending some benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees, but implemention poses challenges in the case of gay and lesbian diplomats who serve in countries where homosexuality is illegal.

Not making promises, the State Department says it will deal with each situation individually and try to work with countries that do not recognize same-sex partners.

"We recognize that, in implementing this policy, we will have to negotiate certain privileges and immunities with other governments. And we will do so," department spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters Thursday.

Asked what the United States would do if a country were to reject a gay or lesbian diplomat, Crowley said that would have to be taken into account when assigning personnel abroad.

"Obviously, this will be something that we recognize that will need to be negotiated," he said. "And that will go into our judgments, in terms of how we assign our employees around the world."

Homosexuality is illegal in 80 countries, and five of them punish homosexual acts with death, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged to extend benefits to same-sex couples early in her tenure. Aides say she made it a priority shortly after arriving at the State Department.

"This is an issue of real concern to me," Clinton said at a town hall meeting with employees in February. "I view this as an issue of workplace fairness, employee retention, and the safety and effectiveness of our embassy communities worldwide."

The Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, a group representing gay and lesbian personnel and their families in the State Department, praised last week's announcement, saying it will have a "real and immediate benefit for Foreign Service families."

Group president Michelle Schohn said, "The reality is that gay and lesbian officers have always been working in countries where homosexuality is illegal. We see it as important to demonstrate American values overseas."