dojA000876.xml

dojA000876.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 1:31 PM
Help All Victims of Sept. 11

Wed., Dec. 5, 2001


Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
comments regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure
compensation is available to all victims of the attack,
including the committed partners and the non-biological children
of gay and lesbian victims and any other family members severely
impacted.

It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic
losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are
no less than that of other families. And many of these persons
do not have some of the support networks our non-gay
community takes for granted. Just as the terrorists
drew no lines in choosing their victims, our country must draw
no lines in compensating those who suffered the most personal of
losses from these horrific attacks.

Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom
left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to honor these
bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you
would any other.

Please do not let this terrible tragedy be an intended occasion to
discriminate nor exclude any of our fellow citizens.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Centreville, VA

2001-12-05