A001397
Sunday, December 09, 2001 11:33 PM
Compensation for families of Sept. 11
To whom it may concern:
Please add my voice to the number of those who believe that gay/lesbian
partners of victims of the Sept. 11 tragedy should be compensated
similarly to heterosexual partners. This terrible event has touched all
our lives. Money can never make up for the wrenching experience of
knowing how someone so beloved was taken. however, most of us who are
gay/lesbian enter into relationships making plans to grow old together.
We have the same wonderful sense of whimsy and excitement in pooling our
ideas and our funds. If we could be legally recognized as "spouses",
believe me, we would. Since we cannot, we should be able to show the
committee proof of our long-term commitment, a sharing of funds, a
domestic partner agreement...whatever it is that might be required. Many
of us rely on the second person's income to provide rent, home supplies
etc. The loss of that person decreases the present and future life style
of the remaining individual. Please weigh carefully the ability to
treat all relationships fairly. The nation's gay/lesbian citizens gave
their lives the same as other citizens. Don't deny their surviving
partners monetary remuneration. Thank you.
Individual Comment
Sacramento, CA