File #: Res 0201-2004    Version: * Name: Implement the recommendations of the American Veterans for Equal Rights.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Veterans
On agenda: 3/10/2004
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the recommendations of the American Veterans for Equal Rights.
Sponsors: Margarita Lopez, Charles Barron, Vincent J. Gentile, Alan J. Gerson, Sara M. Gonzalez, Robert Jackson, Miguel Martinez, Hiram Monserrate, Michael C. Nelson
Council Member Sponsors: 9

Res. No. 201

Resolution calling upon the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the recommendations of the American Veterans for Equal Rights.

 

By Council Members Lopez, Barron, Gentile, Gerson, Gonzalez, Jackson, Martinez, Monserrate and Nelson

 

Whereas, American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) is a veterans organization dedicated to the equitable treatment of all present and former members of the United States armed forces; and

Whereas, AVER works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) veterans are not discriminated against with respect to their eligibility for or access to veterans benefits; and

Whereas, LGBT veterans have taken the same oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against enemies that all veterans have taken; and

Whereas, All Americans have the right to be free from harassment and discrimination based on prejudice or intolerance; and

Whereas, AVER recommends that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) assign a LGBT liaison, from the Office of Minority Veterans, in order to work with AVER in coordinating responses to issues raised by LGBT veterans; and

                     Whereas, Additionally, AVER requests that the Department of Veterans Affairs implement a sensitivity program to ensure consistent, respectful treatment of LGBT veterans; and                                                                                                                                                             Whereas, AVER also recommends that the Department of Veterans Affairs appoint women and LGBT coordinators to assist veterans seeking benefits and healthcare treatment; and                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Whereas, Furthermore, AVER requests that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide active procedural assistance to veterans seeking to obtain discharge upgrades where such persons were discharged under less than honorable terms as a result of having been determined to be LGBT in orientation; and                                                                                                         Whereas, AVER recommends that the Department of Veterans Affairs review their procedures for the provision of appropriate treatment and medication for patients with HIV/AIDS and gender dysphoria; and                                                                                                                               Whereas, AVER also requests that the Department of Veterans Affairs ensure that LGBT veterans are not discriminated against with regards to programs such as the VA Home Loan guarantee program and all other benefit programs administered by the VA, and also ensure that eligible veterans are able to include their domestic partners in these benefit programs; and                                                                                                                                                                         Whereas, The New York City Council finds that the recommendations of AVER offer an important means of realizing the right of LGBT veterans to be free from discrimination; now, therefore, be it                                                                                                                                                   Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the federal Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the recommendations of the American Veterans for Equal Rights.

 

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