dojA000860.xml

dojA000860.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 2:04 PM
Subject: please provide benefits to partners and children of gay victims of WTC tragedy


Kenneth L. Zwick
Director
Office of Management Programs U.S. Department of Justice
Fax 301/519-5956
victimcomp.comments@usdoj.gov

Dear Director Zwick:

In response to the request for public input regarding the "September 11 Victim
Compensation Fund," I encourage you to be as humane and inclusive as possible
in the disposition of these funds, specifically including gay and lesbian
families in the guidelines for compensation.

The American Red Cross, arguably the leader in nonprofit relief efforts, has
issued an official policy of fair treatment for gay and lesbian families
suffering from the loss of a loved one on September 11. The guidelines provide
a list of 16 possible criteria that can show an interdependent and supportive
relationship, including joint rental leases, bank accounts, or credit cards;
joint responsibility for child care; designation as the beneficiary of a life
insurance policy or retirement benefits account; and nonfinancial criteria
such as registration as domestic partners and certification of a union
celebrated overseas.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks, our country has become united in our
diversity, and it is essential that the government continue to support all
citizens. Please do this out of respect for the families and friends of the
gay victims of the attack. Please do this in honor of the gay heroes, people
like , the gay who helped overcome terrorists on
that crashed in , and died at the World Trade Center to victims.

The magnitude of this tragedy has affected all of America, and I urge you to
avoid compounding this tragedy by excluding the families and loved ones of the
American victims who happen to be gay. It is essential that the government
treat all families with dignity and respect and equality.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Collingswood, NJ

2001-12-05