Gay Discrimination

I was an FBI agent for over 20 years and served 18 of those years in California. My unblemished career in the FBI ended last year when the FBI learned I am gay. My lawsuit against the FBI seeking reinstatement demands that I be afforded the constitutional protection guaranteed to all Americans.

San Diego is fortunate to have courageous and fair-minded leaders, like Police Chief Bob Burgreen and Sheriff Jim Roache, who do not tolerate discrimination against their gay and lesbian officers. They judge their officers by the quality of their character and their ability to perform their sworn duties. However, I personally know a number of gay and lesbian law enforcement officers in this state who fear they will lose the job they love because of who they love. These brave people risk their lives each day to protect the citizens of this state. They even protect the bigots who hate gay people and would deny them their jobs.

Gays and lesbians are not seeking special rights or special treatment. What we demand is equal treatment under the law and an end to the evil of discrimination. It is a demand in keeping with President Bush’s statement to the American people after the Persian Gulf War: “If we can selflessly confront evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we can make this land all that it should be.”

FRANK BUTTINO, San Diego