dojR002427.xml

dojR002427.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-20

Wednesday, March 20, 2002 8:07 PM
9-11 Compensation

I recently read an article that described some of the compensation benefits the families of 9-11 victims will receive. I was surprised to find that the families of gays and lesbians were not included in this group.

Currently, no state other than Vermont allows gays and lesbians to form an "official" relationship with their partner in the eyes of the law. I am sure that with time other states will officially recognize gay relationships. However I would hope that the federal government would overlook the current laws and act in a humane way that is more in-line with today's society and the relationships that are formed, regardless of the ability to "officially" register this relationship. (There are rumors that labor laws dealing with illegal immigrants are being overlooked in dealing with this tragedy. Why not overlook the fact that gays and lesbians are currently denied equal rights in the eyes of the law as well?)

I am sure there are partners of gays and lesbians killed on 9-11 that are suffering just as much and their heterosexual counterparts. Why are you going to make them suffer more by not recognizing them and compensating them?
Individual Comment

2002-03-20