dojA000309.xml

dojA000309.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-04

Tuesday, December 04, 2001 3:10 PM
coverage

It has been brought to my attention that in deciding on the regulations for the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund, there have been recommendations that partners and non-biological children of gay or lesbian victims of the September 11 attacks be excluded from benefits. I find such a recommendation to be particularly contemptible. Survivors of the 911 attacks have no less need for compensation nor condolences than do other survivors solely on the basis of the sexual orientation of the victim or of the survivor. If America is truly to be brought together by the 911 attacks and by America's response to them, then the response needs to be even handed. To exclude survivors on the basis of sexual orientation would be to pursue the narrow social politics of those who would divide us. To be even handed is to help bring us together. I urge that ALL surviving committed partners and children of all victims of the 911 attacks be eligible for compensation under the Fund.

Individual Comment

2001-12-04