R000268
Monday, March 11, 2002 5:40 PM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a 33 year old lesbian woman. I have a long-term female partner with whom I have created a life. We both hold full-time jobs, pay our taxes and go about our daily lives in the same capacity as our heterosexual peers. Although we cannot legally marry in our state (Ohio), we are forever committed to each other emotionally, financially, and spirtually. If I were to lose her to tragedy, my life would be devestated and forever changed in the same way as the lives of my heterosexual friends and family members.
I was outraged at the comments made on Meet The Press 3/10/02 in regards to compensation for the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. It is a travesty that surviving partners/families of gay/lesbian couples will not be recognized and compensated in the same capacity as that of heterosexual survivors. This is truly discrimination at its worst. Please stop hiding behind the smokescreen of justifing this decision based on discriminatory state laws. The 6 months that have passed since 9/11 have been incredibly difficult and trying for ALL Americans. However, as a result of this tragedy, we have seen our country come together and unite in a way that has been absent for a very long time. Patriotism is now at the highest level that I have seen in my lifetime. ALL people have come together in unity regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation.
At best, the decision to not extend financial aid to surviving partners of gay/lesbian 9/11 victims in un-fair. At worst, it is an assault on the basic human rights and integrety of our nation and serves to nullify the foundation of our Constitution as it applies to ALL Americans.
I am very thankful that none of my friends or family members were directly affectted by the 9/11 tragedy. However, my heart goes out to all the victims and their surviving husbands and wives, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers... My heart especially bleeds for the survivors of , , and all of the other gay and lesbian people that lost their lives or were affected by the attack that are now experiencing a second tragedy at the hands of our government and our current conservative and discrimatory political climate. Please re-consider your decision on this matter.
Thank You,
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