R002259
Tuesday, March 19, 2002 7:56 PM
Equality in benefits for heroes of September 11
Dear Madam or Sir;
I am outraged that while illegal aliens, fetuses, and partners of the opposite sex are recieving benefits for their loss of those who died in the tragic bombings of September 11th, the government is excluding all gay and lesbian persons who lost their loved ones. This is blatant discrimination.
Many speeches were made that stated that no longer are we Cuban-Americans, African-Americans, but this does not appear to include Gay-Americans. I would like to know why a large segment of the American population who contribute so much are ostracized.
I want all partners of loved ones to recieve the same benefits regardless of sexual preference. It is only just. Love is love and a loss of a loved one is something that should not be ignored. Gays and Lesbians lost partners who meant as much to them as heterosexual couples. It appears that this country is still asleep and it is time for the government to wake up. Illegal aliens are being recognized and their loved ones are recieving benefits but gay citizens are being shunned, ignored, and totally dismissed. This is a mark of shame which needs to corrected.
I ask you to take action and recognize the loss of those gay citizens who lost their lives on a day that will be remembered forever.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment