R000133
Monday, March 11, 2002 1:54 PM
Compensation for Gay Partners of 9/11
Dear Mr. Feinberg:
I find it incredible that in a country like ours, a country that was founded on freedom of speech and expression, that my own country would treat gays and lesbians with such blatant disrespect. The fact that you have expressed the idea that gay/lesbian partners of victims of the September 11th tragedy do not deserve compensation on an equal par with straight couples and even illegal aliens is incredible! I am very angry and disheartened.
I am a gay man. I have lived with my partner for five years and we intend to stay that way. Our government will not recognize our committment by either a legal partnership or as "married" people, and yet the only way to receive many benefits that are afforded straight couples, including those stemming from 9/11 is to be married. A bit of a "catch-22" would you say?
Please rethink your position. We pay taxes. We work. We even give our lives for our country. We should also have the benefits that go along with committed relationships.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment