dojA000900.xml

dojA000900.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-10

Attachment 1

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.

The evil committed that day did not discriminate in whom it took for victims, regardless
of their race, gender, religion, OR sexual orientation. It would be an even greater tragedy
if the DoJ, in ensuring distribution of compensation, were to allow discrimination against
those that are no less dead, and their loved ones who are in no less pain.

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. 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. This tragedy holds no place for double standards.

Sincerely,


Individual Comment
Pasadena, CA

2001-12-10