dojA004540.xml

dojA004540.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-20

Thursday, December 20, 2001 2:57 PM
Equal Support for Surviving Gay and Lesbian Partners


December 20, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

I am writing in support of equal access to benefits under the September 11
Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual orientation or
marital status.

As you consider rules for administering the relief fund, I ask that you
apply basic international human rights standards, and the general principle
of equality, by including 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. The State of New
York has already adopted such a policy, 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 in considering my opinion.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Monson, MA

2001-12-20