dojA002370.xml

dojA002370.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-18

Tuesday, December 18, 2001 9:43 PM
Crisis relief benefits


December 18, 2001

Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,

With other human rights supporters, I write to ask that all victims,
regardless of sexual orientation or marital status, be granted equal access
to benefits under the September 11 Victims Relief Fund.

The United States has committed to uphold international human rights
standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. These prohibit
arbitrary discrimination. Though I am part of a religious tradition
(Christian) that raises profound questions about the morality of homosexual
activity, I also believe these gay and lesbian victims of 9/11 are human
beings who have lost loved ones. They need our support.

As you consider the task before you, I ask that you apply basic
international human rights standards, and the general principle of
equality, by including those who lost their life partners, as well as de
facto parents or children, among relatives eligible for compensation,
without considering sexual orientation. 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."

Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, surviving partners of those killed have had mixed results in
obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the distribution of relief
funds by private and state agencies. This should sadden and anger us. Gays
and lesbians suffer like everyone else. An inclusive policy on the part of
the federal government would help establish an important principle to help
these victims.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing from you
on this matter.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Grand Rapids, MI

2001-12-18