R000915
Saturday, March 16, 2002 1:34 PM
partners of the slain
To Whom It May Concern:
I recently learned that there is a possibility that the lesbian and gay
partners of people who we lost on September 11th will not be receiving the
same compensation as heterosexual partners. I truly hope that this is
misinformation, but felt compelled to voice my opposition to this.
Whatever you think about homosexuality, these people have lost important
people in their lives. Whether the law recognized them as married or not,
they were just as much a part of their lives as the husbands, wives, children
of the other victims of the tragedy.
This is not an issue of "special rights" or any other nonsense that the
anti-gay forces seem to assert. This is about a loss. And, while money can
never compensate anyone for their lost memories and future dreams, why add to
their grief with blatant homophobia?
The gay and lesbian victims are just as dead as the heterosexual ones. And
their families feel the loss just like anyone. We've all heard the stories
coming from the tragedy, including those of and . These were real people, not gay rights activists.
I truly hope that the news stories are incorrect, but fear that they might
be. For what it's worth, I hope that my voice is heard and that you
reconsider the decision to treat these human beings as second class citizens
(or re-affirm your commitment to ensuring that the families of these victims
are treated equally).
Thank you,
Individual Comment
Philadelphia, PA