R002496
Thursday, March 21, 2002 10:27 AM
Comment on 9/11 compensation
I urge you to be inclusive in the distribution of compensation for this
tragedy, particularly toward gay and lesbian families. Gays and lesbians
are already suffering under the antigay discrimination of our marriage
laws. They stand to have that discrimination elevated to the level of
persecution if we deny the survivors of that tragedy compensation using
those same discriminatory laws as justification!
We are in our hearts a fair country. Polls show that 75% of Americans feel
that gay and lesbian families should be extended some form of
recognition. Our state laws have not caught up with this change in the
will of our citizenry. I understand your urge to comply with state law,
but these extraordinary circumstances demand that you honor the will of our
people, not the antiquated nature of many of our existing laws on
recognizing same sex relationships. Certainly the suffering caused by the
events of September 11 and their aftermath have not discriminated against
anyone.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Oakland, CA