A Sense of Justice

Tuesday October 5, 2004

My sense of justice is challenged by the stories I’m hearing from others on the caravan. Consider this from Jacqueline.

Jacqueline grew up in the mid-west in a loving Roman Catholic home. She joined the military and served for fifteen years, reaching the rank of staff sergeant. Jackie was still serving when the Clinton Administration initiated the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Gays and lesbians in the military are unable to acknowledge their sexual orientation in any way. Not only are couples in long-term committed same-sex partnerships unable to claim health care, retirement or travel benefits for their life partners, they are unable to display photos or even talk about such relationships. Because family members are considered “next of kin,” same-sex partners are not informed when their soldier-spouse is injured or killed in combat.

In 2000, Jackie made one of the hardest decisions of her life. She resigned her commission and left a career she valued in service to her country. A veteran of the Gulf War, she could no longer live a double life and her commitment to and love for Beverly won out. With only five years remaining before she was eligible for retirement, Jackie sacrificed a secure future to nurture and build a future with her life-partner, Beverly.

Listening to her story, I wonder how her sexuality has anything to do with her effectiveness as a soldier. Clearly a decade and a half of service is certain proof that Jackie brought considerable gifts to the military. She served as do thousands of gay and lesbian personnel in times of conflict as well as peace, willing to die for rights denied her and the woman she loves.

That doesn’t feel like justice to me. Currently there are 1138 rights available to married couples that are withheld from loving committed same-sex couples. A gay or lesbian partner of a US citizen who is not a US citizen can be deported once his or her visa expires. If a gay or lesbian person’s partner dies, the surviving partner has no rights to receive any government benefits such as social security or veteran’s pensions.
In many cases, gays and lesbians are not covered under their partner’s health insurance plan. If a gay or lesbian person’s partner is in the hospital, immediate family members can deny access to that partner. In the majority of states, legal documents that are drawn up between gay and lesbian partners (wills, powers of attorney) can be challenged by family members and invalidated by courts subjecting the surviving partner to potential financial hardship. And the list goes on.

It concerns me that unless gays and lesbians in relationships are allowed access to civil marriage, they will be subjected to financial and emotional hardships that are unfair and discriminatory, and this is not consistent with American values and beliefs. How can we hope for justice, equity and compassion in our relationships as long as such inequity exists?

Comments

[Ingrid Pires]

Jacqueline's story touches me at such a deep level. As someone who works with the dying and grieving every day, I know how difficult it can be even for loved ones who are allowed full rights in seeing that their loved ones are well-cared for, not just in body, but in mind and spirit too. When denied medical benefits, notification, and even the right to visit a loved one in the hospital, the pain is so much more. Bless you all as you continue this journey on the side of love.

[Vail Weller]

Dear Helen,

I write to you today on behalf of your colleagues in the Pacific Central District, who finished our fall retreat yesterday amidst majestic redwood trees in Northern California.

We wanted to send along to you and to John our gratitude for your public witness, and to let you know that you are all in our hearts as you make this trip. We are so proud to have this ministry happening!

With gratitude,
Pacific Central District Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Minister's Association