California State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner Click HERE for a PDF of this document
May 7, 2008
RE: Steve Poizner, California Insurance Commissioner, Dear California CAPI Members, It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform you that California State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has declined our invitation to issue a “Welcome to Pride” letter for the 2008 California Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride celebrations. This stands in stark contrast to the other nine California Statewide elected officials — all of who have extended their good wishes, and whose letters appear on the CAPI website. While there is no obligation on the part of elected officials to honor the California Pride events in this manner. For those who do, it speaks to their commitment to all Californians — including those of sexual orientation and gender identification minorities — and the principle that “equality for all,” does indeed mean — without exception — all. In the case of Commissioner Poizner, it is our great hope that his reluctance to issue a letter does not equate to his reluctance to ensure enforcement of the many laws and regulations that require insurance companies doing business in California, to treat same-sex registered Domestic Partners just as they treat their opposite-sex married counterparts — where inequities in treatment can result in devastating consequences for these same-sex California families. But things do change over time, and 2008 does not represent the complete and final word on this issue. For in 2009, CAPI will offer Commissioner Poizner another opportunity to extend his good wishes to LGBT Californians, and to articulate his commitment to the enforcement of California’s insurance laws as they impact registered Domestic Partners. It is our sincere hope that Commissioner Poizner will have a change of heart, and issue a letter at that time. Sincerely, Frank Rubio
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