dojA001275.xml

dojA001275.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-07

Friday, December 07, 2001 10:03 AM
Attention: Kenneth Zwick

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

Dear Mr. Zwick,

I am writing to share my thoughts about how the September 11 Victim
Compensation Fund should be distributed. I encourage you to consider
all survivors of this disaster and all their partners, not just those
who were in legally sanctioned heterosexual commitments.

Many of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender victims of September
11th had partners with whom they shared serious and long-term
commitments that should hold the same weight as marriage. Many also had
children. I advise you to follow the suggestion of New York Governor
Pataki, who would grant 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."

Please show compassion for those who many in society would ignore.
Their loss is no less. Life partners, as well as de facto parents or
children should be included among relatives eligible for compensation,
without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Richmond, VA

2001-12-07