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Gay Partner of Man Who Died on 9/11 to Testify at City Council Hearing About Being Denied Spousal Benefits

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Lambda Legal attorney representing same-sex partners in legal action to speak
May 28, 2002

A public hearing held by New York City Council Select Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment on May 29th will examine whether same-sex couples and domestic partners are receiving a fair share of funds and support designated for families of victims of 9/11.

The hearing is designed to educate New York City Council Members and the general public about the fact that surviving partners of same-sex couples are not receiving the same benefits and support as people who lost spouses in the 9/11 terrorists attacks. While some private non-profits have been open to same-sex partners, insurance companies and the federal government are refusing to provide spousal benefits to them.

Speakers at the hearing will include:



  • Larry Courtney, whose partner, Eugene Clark, died on September 11th at the World Trade Center. Larry will speak about his struggle to gain the same benefits as married partners. Larry and Gene, residents of the Upper West Side of Manhattan, had been partners for almost 14 years and had registered as domestic partners in New York City, yet CNA Insurance continues to deny Larry spousal benefits.
  • Margaret Cruz, who lost her partner of more than 15 years on September 11th, will testify about the difficulties she has faced.
  • Adam Aronson, staff attorney at Lambda Legal, who is representing Larry Courtney and another gay man in a landmark legal action against insurance companies to gain equal benefits, will testify about this legal dispute and the legal and policy reasons why lesbian and gay survivors should receive equal support.

Lambda Legal is America’s oldest and largest legal organization dedicated to the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgendered people, and people with HIV and AIDS. Lambda Legal has its headquarters in New York and regional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta. Lambda Legal will open an office in Dallas in June 2002.

WHERE: New York City Council, Chamber Hall

WHEN: Wednesday, May 29 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Geoffrey Knox 212-809-8585 or 917-414-1749
Chris Hampton 212-809-8585 ext. 222


 

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