dojR002819.xml

dojR002819.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-29

Friday, March 29, 2002 2:06 PM
Gay and Lesbian Benefits and Sept. 11 Fund

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am appalled at the insensitive comments made recently on a national
news program, stating that gay and lesbian partners of victims of the
terrorist attacks on our country will not be compensated in a manner
that befits all those affected by this national tragedy. Surely none of
you believes that any one person is less deserving of such recognition
and assistance than another, based solely on the gender of the partners.

I myself am a gay man, sharing my life with the same partner for nearly
22 years. Together we have raised a beautiful daughter and experienced
most of the joyful, and painful, things that any committed couple enjoys
or suffers. I could not imagine, in the event of a horrific attack like
that on September 11, my own government, sworn to protect and serve its
populace, telling me that my relationship - my life! - is less
important, less meaningful, less valuable, than that of the heterosexual
couple who met last month, and married on a whim last week!

I urge you to reconsider your stance on this issue. Many loyal, loving,
and committed Americans died on that horrible day - Americans who
deserve to be honored, respected, and recognized by their nation, for
their contributions to the fabric of American life.


Sincerely,

Individual Comment

2002-03-29