President Obama hosted a reception yesterday at the White House celebrating LGBT Pride month and commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Speaking before a crowd of nearly 300 people, Obama spoke at some length on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Matthew Shepard Act and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

President Obama’s remarks in full below…

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From the Associated Press:

President Barack Obama plans to extend health care and other benefits to the gay and lesbian partners of federal employees. White House officials say Obama plans to announce decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president had not yet made the announcement.

The move would give partners of federal employees access to health care and financial benefits such as relocation fees for moves. Officials say Obama would detail more details of the decision on Wednesday.

I suspect this is an effort to quieten or placate the growing anger over lack of progress on LGBT issues and the recent DOMA brief.

Update: On the Rachel Maddow show this evening, Chuck Todd said there was some question whether the benefits granted would be through Executive Order or by Memorandum, which is how the administration is framing it. If by Executive Order, only another Executive Order could overturn it. In the case of a Memorandum, Todd was under the impression that a Memorandum only lasts the duration of that presidency.

If by Memorandum…. NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Video to follow…

Update #2: Rachel Maddow video below…