Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. tonight is expected to announce the expansion of the recognition of same-sex marriages, applying privileges in civil, criminal and bankruptcy cases, certain benefits programs and among federal prisoners.

The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday will issue a policy directive that instructs DOJ employees to recognize same-sex marriages as widely as possible under federal law. Holder will announce the new policy tonight at a Human Rights Campaign event in New York City, according to an advance copy of his remarks.