R000325
Monday, March 11, 2002 10:33 PM
Meet the Press and Kenneth Feinberg's slight on Gay Partners of
9/11 victims
Dear Sir or Madame,
I'm writing because I am abhorred to have learned that Kenneth Feinberg
stated recently on "Meet the Press" that gay partners of the heroes of
September 11th will not necessarily be eligible for the same compensation as
heterosexual family members who lost their loved ones.
His rational for such blatent discrimination is to rely on existing state
laws regarding who would be eligible. Very few States have enacted laws to
protect domestic partners and of those that have, most apply only to State
employees. In fact many States and the Federal Government have gone out of
their way to prevent gay marriages and unions and thereby eliminating all
benefits that come from similar unions between heterosexuals.
Feinberg said that he cannot take on state law by including Gays and
lesbians in the compensation program. However the duplicity of his argument
is ever transparent by his willingness to include illegal aliens in the
program and offer them and their employers assurance that they will not
suffer consequences by coming forward. It is not my intention to pit one
group against another here, but merely point out Feinberg's willingness to
turn the other way for one group in an admirable effort to be as inclusive
as possible with the program while on the other hand blatently
discriminating against Gays and Lesbians.
I urge you to stand up for the equality of all Americans who were affected
by the tragic events of 9/11 and amend your policy to include compensation
to the Gay and Lesbian partners of victims. It is precisely times like this
that we need unity in this country not divisive policies like the one
currently in place.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment