R000231
Monday, March 11, 2002 4:00 PM
Benefits for Gay and Lesbian Victims of 9/11
I am appalled by the stance that the government has
taken regarding giving benefits to Gay and Lesbian
Americans who lost their life partner in the tragic
events of 9/11.
Apparently it would be too time consuming to clearly
outline who should receive death benefits of those
killed in the 9/11 attacks, so you are defaulting to
individual state laws to decide
it... unfortunately, most state laws do not recognize
domestic partners and/or same-sex marriages. Which
basically means partners of Gays and lesbians killed
at the WTC or Pennsylvania or the Pentagon are pretty
much out of luck.
Hiding behind the guise of following state law is
despicable. Especially since you are bending the
rules for victims who are not even legal citizens of
the United States.
If this is the way the government is going to proceed,
then you should have the courage to visit
each and every partner of a gay and lesbian victim of
9/11 and personally explain to them why their
relationship does not "qualify" as a legitimate one;
explain to them why their grief is less than those of
heterosexuals; and why, in the so-called Land of the
Free, where we are supposedly fighting for everyone's
individual freedom on a daily basis in foreign lands,
you can systematically limit our fellow citizen's
freedom to choose who he/she can and cannot love.
I am always proud to be an American, but I am
increasingly embarrassed by the actions of my
government regarding the Gay and Lesbian population.
Especially since they are a community of very active
voters. If for no other reason than your re-election
concerns, you should do something to correct this
injustice.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment