dojR000863.xml

dojR000863.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-15

Friday, March 15, 2002 4:12 PM
denial of benefits based on sexual orientation




To whom it may concern (which frankly is all of us):

I wanted to register my dismay at the news that the victims' compensation fund will not be providing benefits to the partners or childern of those killed in the
WTC and Pentagon tragedies based on the individual's sexual orientation.
This is an outrage and a disgrace to those who lost their lives. Do you think the for the New York firefighters or &nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp life was less deserving of compensation than the others who had married partners? I hope not, but your decision clearly sends a message that you do.
I am angered that you are instituting an unnecessarily narrow definition of those entitled to benefits that would disallow the partners and children of those who
died in this tragedy. A person's sexuality is not a legitimate basis for denial of benefits. Even crime victims' compensation acts around the country which should
serve as a basis for developing your guidelines, include definitions of survivor and relative that can be used to include gay spouses and the children of gay parents.

I urge you to reconsider your exclusion of the children and spouses of those gay people who died in this tragedy. At a time when the country should be showing
its unification and support for all, your actions divide and alienate.

Sincerely,


Individual Comment

2002-03-15