Killed in the line of duty but regarded as second class --
(OKLAHOMA CITY) Why is it that one can risk, and sometimes lose, one's life, pay taxes, contribute to a better society, but if that person is gay, lives in a gay-negative state, the obituaries and official press release from your employer ignore your family life? Does this happen with heteros?
Even though Missouri has two major American cities, its policies towards gay/lesbian state employees is still in the 1950s. According to my count and the Victory Fund, Missouri has three out state legislators, Oklahoma has one. http://www.glli.org/out_officials
For readers in Oklahoma, you might be interested to know (if you didn't already) that Rep McAffrey's HB 2339 would grant same-gender benefits to state employees. As I read it that would include same-gender as well as opposite-gender couples. http://www.gossip-boy.com/HB_2339.html , http://www.almcaffrey.com/
The Oklahoma Legislature opens Monday, February 1.
We can encourage the Missouri Legislature (http://www.moga.mo.gov/) to correct the injustice done not only to the Englhard family but to all of Missouri's gay and lesbian taxpayers.
Increasing even by one the number of gay/lesbian friendly environments makes a better place for everyone to work and live.
These are my own thoughts on the matter of gay/lesbian citizenship and are not coordinated with any political candidate, official, or party.
Box Turtle Bulletin: The inhumanity of "protecting marriage"
complete at: http://tinyurl.com/ydld3s2
In 1995 Hootie and The Blowfish were on the radio, Waterworld was stinking up the movie theaters, and Tommy Lee married Pamela Anderson. It may not have been the best of years, but it was a good year for Kelly Glossip; that's the year he met Dennis Engelhard.
Over the next 15 years the two men built a life together. They bought and decorated a house, joined a church, and helped raise Kelly's son from a previous relationship.
And Dennis established a career in law enforcement, earning respect as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman. Even though Missouri is not a liberal state, the two lived openly, even attending social functions with Dennis' coworkers.
