Lambda Legal's November 10, 2006 Letter to Bruce Ansell, President of IAFF

Letter by Lambda Legal in support of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1604's request for domestic partner benefits during its collective bargaining negotations with the City of Bellevue in November 2006. This letter has been modified for public distribution.

"While the costs associated with providing domestic partner benefits are generally neglible, a lack of such benefits makes a dramatic difference to the families who must do without them... Providing partner benefits frees gay and lesbian employees of the emotional distress and sometimes overwhelming financial burdens that accompany the illness of an uninsured partner, paving the way for greater productivity."