US President Barack Obama has signed a measure extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal government workers, BBC reported.
The move comes amid anger from Mr Obama's gay supporters that he has not done enough to protect the rights of gay Americans.
He has been criticised for failing to repeal the ban on gays in the US military and over a Justice Department legal opinion opposing gay marriage.
Several gay supporters have withdrawn from a fundraising event in protest.
Mr Obama's presidential order means that the gay partners of federal employees will get some health benefits currently enjoyed by the heterosexual partners of government workers.
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