PLEASE READ THIS AND GET ANGRY!

July 13,2001

EQUALITY FLORIDA ACTION ALERT

EQUALITY FLORIDA EXPRESSES OUTRAGE AT POLICE PENSION RULING

CALLS ON POLITICIANS TO CHANGE THE LAW TO PROTECT OUR FAMILIES

(Press Release Follows)

Last Friday, on the eve of Tampa Bay Pride, Tampa Police Officer Lois Marrero, a 19 year veteran, was killed in the line of duty. Since her death Tampa officials have announced that her partner of 10 years, Det. Mickie Mashburn, will receive no pension or inheritance benefits because the women were not legally allowed to marry.

Express your outrage! Demand that our government officials right this wrong and recognize our relationships.

Let them know that all families are deserving of full protection and support. This terrible tragedy is just one example of the cruel discrimination all same gender families face every day.

Contact them now to tell them it must stop!

Contact your state legislator today.

**To find out who represents you, CLICK HERE

To Reach Tampa City Officials:

Contact Tampa Mayor Dick Greco at:

Phone: (813) 274-8251

Fax: (813) 274-7050

No e-mail address available

Contact the Tampa City Council at:

Phone: (813) 274-8131

Fax: (813) 274-7076

City Council Email Addresses:

District 1 - Charlie Miranda E-mail: hazel.pines@tampagov.net

District 2 - Rose V. Ferlita E-mail: april.schiff@tampagov.net

District 3 - Bob Buckhorn E-mail: bob.buckhorn@tampagov.net

District 4 - Linda Saul-Sena E-mail: rhonda.smalls@tampagov.net

District 5 - Gwen Miller E-mail: tracy.davis@tampagov.net

District 6 - Mary C. Alvarez E-mail: mary.alvarez@tampagov.net

District 7 - Shawn Harrison E-mail: shawn.harrison@tampagov.net

Contact the Tampa Tribune Editorial Board at:

Letters to the Editor

Tampa Tribune

PO Box 191, Tampa FL 33601-4005

Fax (813) 259-8080

e-mail: tribletters@tampatrib.com

Contact the St. Petersburg Times Editorial Board at:

Letters to the Editor

St. Pete Times

PO Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731

Fax (727) 893-8675

e-mail: letters@sptimes.com

To find the local newspaper in your area, CLICK HERE

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SPECIAL NOTE: Many people have expressed a desire to make a contribution directly to Mickie Mashburn to help in whatever way to mitigate the financial hardship she is experiencing at a time of such loss. To accommodate that request from Equality Florida members, we have established a separate account to handle such contributions.

Please make checks payable to

"For Mickie Mashburn"

and mail to

Northern Trust Bank

100 2nd Ave S.,

St. Petersburg Fl 33701

ATTN: Tim Brunelle

It is important the money intended for Mickie Mashburn be sent directly to the bank. Please DO NOT send them to the Equality Florida office.

At the request of fellow police officers and friends, we are also working to hold a benefit event in the next few weeks. Please let us know if you are willing to help.

Thank you.