Missouri Gives Gay Trooper Killed on Duty a Highway, Still Denies Benefits to His Partner

By Chad Garrison on Mon, Dec 20, 2010 at 9:42 am

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Cpl. Dennis Engelhard

A stretch of Interstate 44 in Franklin County will be dedicated today to Missouri Highway Patrol trooper Dennis Engelhard.

That's the same highway on which Engelhard was killed last Christmas Day when an SUV lost control in the ice and snow and struck the trooper as he assisted a stranded motorist.

Left behind was Engelhard's partner of 15 years, Kelly Glossip, who's been denied survivor benefits because the state doesn't recognize same-sex relationships. Engelhard and Glossip lived together, raising Glossip's son from a previous relationship as their child.

So, in light of today's highway dedication, let's get this straight: Missouri considers Engelhard enough of a hero to name a road after him while continuing to deny his loved ones their rightful benefits because we do not approve of his sexuality?

Merry 'effing Christmas.