dojN002574.xml

dojN002574.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-30

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

To Mr. Feinberg:

I am writing to urge you to ensure fair treatment for 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 citizen who serve
heroically as police, firefighters, soldiers, medical personnel and in other critical
occupations. We also must keep in mind the gay and lesbian Americans 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
Middleton, Mass

2001-12-30