dojA000808.xml

dojA000808.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 11:48 AM
HELP ENSURE COMPENSATION OF GAY AND LESBIAN VICTIMS' FAMILIES

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

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,
including the committed partners and the non-biological children
of gay and lesbian victims.

It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic
losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are
no less than that of other families. To suggest otherwise is simply
ridiculous. That anyone would even think to suggest otherwise
makes my head spin. And the Christian fundamentalists accuse
gay people of having an agenda? Then what do you call this attempt
to deny surviving members of families of gay and lesbian people
the same compensation received by familes of straight people?
I call it out-and-out bigotry.

Any legislation that is written to deny compensation to families of gays
and lesbians killed by these attacks is as evil, vindictive, and heartless
as the attacks themselves. I trust the Department of Justice will insure
justice for EVERYONE, not just straight Christian people.

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
Berkeley, CA

2001-12-05