I agree that in tough budget times, some initiatives should not be considered. However this is not one of them. Since when can people put a price tag on the health and well being of individuals. If you are a critic, how would you deal with medical issues if your spouse were not eligible for health insurance. As an openly gay male, I can not tell you how difficult that financial burden has been at times, when trying to provide "adequate" medical care for my partner. I also find it disheartening that I could seek employment at a place like Southern Methodist University and receive full partner benefits, but yet for a state like Virginia, for some reason that is an evil idea.

I ask that you seek some compassion when considering this issue.