R001964
Monday, March 18, 2002 2:51 PM
Same-Sex Partner Compensation
I am writing to call for the equal treatment of our gay citizens who lost a
loved one during the Sept 11th disaster.
The Special Master indicated that he would abide by the State's probate
statutes in determining who would receive compensation. This is not an
equitable way in dealing with those lost who were in same-sex marriages. The
State has refused to recognize these marriages, even though in common law,
they should be. The fact that a couple is financially interdependent on each
other, hold joint property, in some cases raising children, should be plenty
of evidence that these citizens had formed the moral equivalency of
marriage, and for the purposes of this statute, should be honored. How can
you justify that a couple who have been together for YEARS have less of a
right to the protections afforded in the fund than a straight couple married
for an hour?
I urge the federal government to fairly treat ALL of its citizens, and stop
pandering to the hate-mongers who want to marginalize our gay citizens. Gay
people died on Sept 11th, are fighting in the Armed Forces, and served as
fire and police men and women. These people deserve as much as any other
CITIZEN of a country. It is time to place this pettiness aside, and do what
is right, fair, and equitable. We should not have a second class in this
country.
Sincerely
Individual Comment
Boston, MA