dojA001083.xml

dojA001083.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 11:39 PM
Subject: Comments on "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund"

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice

re: September 11 Victim Compensation Fund

December 5, 2001

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure
compensation is available to all victims of the attack, following
the same guidelines all Americans are supposed to use, namely not
to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, and sexual
preference. In this case, it is equally important to provide
appropriate compensation to the committed partners and the non-
biological children of gay and lesbian victims.

It is unquestioned that the devastating grief and economic
losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are
just as severe as that of other families. Just as the terrorists
drew no lines in choosing their victims, our country must draw
no lines in compensating those who suffered the most personal of
losses from these horrific attacks.

Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom
left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to honor these
bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you
would any other.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Oro Valley, AZ

2001-12-05