dojA000772.xml

dojA000772.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 10:47 AM
Attn: Kenneth L. Zwick

Dear Mr. Zwick,

I am appalled at the actions of the State of Virginia with respect to victim assistance for survivors of the September 11 attack on our country. Specifically, the State's response to &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp who may lose her home as a result of the attacks.

You see, &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp lost her partner of 18 years. The home they jointly purchased required the dual incomes. For all intents and purposes, &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp was &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp spouse. &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp is not entitled to assistance because she and &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp were not married. As you are aware, same-sex couples are not allowed to receive state issued marriage licenses, but both &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp and &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp blended their lives, finances, and families as if they were married.

I urge you to ensure that compensation is available to all surviving families of those killed, INCLUDING the committed partners and non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.

These people have been victimized once. It is un-American and cruel to not help.

Thank you for your consideration,

Individual Comment
Ventura, CA

2001-12-05