JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is moving to ensure that Americans are eligible to take leave from their jobs to care for a same-sex spouse, even if they live in a state that doesn’t recognize gay marriage.

The Labor Department is announcing Friday it’s drafting regulations making clear that the Family and Medical Leave Act applies to same-sex couples regardless of where they live in the U.S.

The law lets employees take unpaid leave to care for a sick spouse without fear of losing their job.

The White House is promoting the move as part of President Barack Obama’s push to expand protections for gays and lesbians. The Obama administration has stopped defending the Defense of Marriage Act, which lets states refuse to recognize gay marriages performed in other states.