The Family Leave Insurance Act
The Problem
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (“FMLA”) grants legally married spouses up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave from work to care for a seriously ill spouse, parent or child. However, FMLA coverage is incomplete. Under current law, millions of lesbian and gay Americans in committed, long-term relationships are unable to take leave to care for their same-sex partner. Additionally, many families that do qualify for FMLA coverage cannot afford to take unpaid leave.
What is the Family Leave Insurance Act?
The Family Leave Insurance Act (FLIA) would grant essential benefits to working families by providing twelve weeks of paid FMLA coverage to employees seeking to take leave to care for their families, including leave to care for a domestic partner and their children. This leave will allow all working families the opportunity to provide care when it is needed most. The Act provides families with needed financial support during times of crises and values the American family in all of its diverse forms.
Experience of Private Employers and Public Opinion
Many employers understand the importance of providing paid leave to employees so that they can afford to care for their families in times of distress. In 2012, 50 percent of Fortune 500 companies had some form of family leave. These employers realize that not offering paid leave to all workers greatly limits an employer’s ability to maintain a stable and continuous workforce by helping their employees maintain their income when a family emergency strikes.
Both employers and the American public recognize that an inclusive workforce is a competitive workforce. In fact, 70 percent of Americans agree that existing FMLA benefits should apply equally to same-sex partners.
Action in the 111th Congress
The Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009 was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) in the House..
What is the Current Status of the Bill?
FLIA is expected to soon be reintroduced in the 113th Congress.
For more information, please contact legislation@hrc.org.
Last Updated: January 3, 2013