dojA001384.xml

dojA001384.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-09

Sunday, December 09, 2001 3:57 PM
Gay & Lesbian Compensation

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

Dear Mr. Zwick,

I am writing as a member of the Gay Community. Our pain is no less. Our loss
is no less. And our access to justice and equality in the aftermath of the
September 11 crisis must be no less.

I am writing today to ask you to invest a few minutes in the cause of
justice and equality.

In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Justice
Department established the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund." The
purpose of this fund is to provide assistance to persons who were injured as
a result of the attacks and to compensate the relatives of those who were
killed.

I want to remind you, the U.S. Justice Department that justice is only
served when all families -- and ALL TYPES OF FAMILIES -- impacted by
September 11 are treated with equality.

From the brave young gay man who lost his life on the plane attempting to
save the lives of innocent people... to the gay priest who lost his life
while ministering at Ground Zero... to the many lesbian and gay and
transgendered employees working in the World Trade Center... it is vitally
important that we demand that our government treat all of our families with
dignity and respect and equality.

We ask the Justice Department to include among relatives eligible for
compensation those who lost their life partners as well as de facto parents
or children, without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.

We ask the U.S. Government to follow the example already set by New York
Governor Pataki in granting compensation benefits "on a showing of mutual
interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone who shared with
the victim living expenses, day-to-day activities and the emotional bonds of
family deserves help in this time of need."

Thank you for your time, efforts and compassion!


Peace, Love and Hope.
Individual Comment

2001-12-09