“The Labor Department’s move late last week to affirm same-sex couples’ right to take family leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a critical advance for America’s families and our nation’s commitment to equality. By clarifying the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor, this new guidance will help to ensure that more people have the job-protected leave they need to care for their loved ones. We are thrilled.

Just last week we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the FMLA. We now have this development to celebrate as well. But there is still more work to be done to expand the FMLA to cover more people who need leave for more reasons. And lawmakers must focus on taking the next step toward a truly family friendly America for all by passing a national paid leave insurance program.”

On August 5th, the National Partnership released the sixth edition of its guide to the FMLA, which includes information on same-sex couples’ rights under the law. The guide is available online at www.NationalPartnership.org/FMLAGuide.