dojN002653.xml

dojN002653.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-12

December 30, 2001



Special Master Kenneth R. Feinberg
September 11th Victim Compensation Fund
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530
December 30, 2001



Dear Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment of all surviving families of the September 11th
tragedy,
including the children and families of gay and lesbian Americans who perished.

That you recognize the sanctity and legitimacy of gay and lesbian relationships and families as
you make
these crucial decisions is imperative. Gay and lesbian families are especially vulnerable when
one partner is killed. Because the option of marriage is largely unavailable, these families often
find themselves in the traumatic predicament of having to prove the legitimacy of their union.
Both the
Red Cross and the State of New York have already announced that they will not discriminate
against
gay and lesbian families. Our United States Department of Justice must follow suit.

As an American, I ask you to keep in mind the gay and lesbian citizens who serve heroically as
police,
firefighters, soldiers, medical personnel and in other critical occupations. We also must keep in
mind
the gay and lesbian citizens who donated to the compensation fund trusting that their gift would
be
distributed without prejudice. It would be unconscionable to dispense their monies while
denying the
legitimacy, worth and humanity of other gay and lesbian Americans.

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to hearing how you will act on these
very
important issues.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment

Taunton, MA

2002-03-12