Monday, April 23, 2007

Few State Department employees would disagree that the situation for gay and lesbian employees at State contrasts starkly with that at the Pentagon ["At State, a Friendlier Workplace," In the Loop, April 16].

Indeed, employees working in two of the three pillars of national security -- diplomacy and development -- are able to be open in the workplace, unlike uniformed colleagues in defense.

However, "members of households" (MOHS) -- same-sex and opposite-sex partners, aging parents, and adult children -- do not qualify for the following benefits afforded legally married spouses and dependents: transportation to and from post, including rest, recuperation and home leave; diplomatic status in most countries; health insurance; evacuation insurance; and access to embassy health units.

Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies finds it ironic that State will reimburse employees up to $3,000 to take their pets abroad but nothing for the cost of taking MOHS overseas.

AARON JENSEN

Washington

The writer, a State Department employee, is president of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies.