dojR001864.xml

dojR001864.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2002-03-18

Monday, March 18, 2002 11:43 AM


Kenneth L. Zwick, Director

Office of Management Programs

Civil Division

U.S. Department of Justice

Main Building, Room 3140

950 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, DC 20530





Dear Director Zwick. March 18, 2002



As a gay Veteran, I am appalled at the recent announcement by the Head of the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to exclude gay and lesbian partners from receiving assistance if their state does not recognize the relationship. In addition, illegal aliens are supported by the fund and will not be deported.



Did I just wake up in the Twilight zone? We can ignore one law for illegal, non-tax paying aliens and follow the letter of the law when it comes to legal, tax paying gay and lesbian citizens? Does equal protection under the law mean anything in this country? Gay people died trying to save others and in the end our whole community is spat on by our own Government. Our government is saying Thanks Gay people for saving our livesbut we have to follow your state laws and we will not protect your partners if your state doesnt recognize you as an equal citizen. But we will protect aliens and not deport them.



I am asking you to reconsider this decision. There are gay families that are in desperate need of assistance and they deserve to be included and not excluded. This should be a time of inclusion. The pain of losing a partner is bad enough, but then to be told you will not receive assistance but illegal aliens will is just adding salt to the wound. How much more pain will we force these folks to go through? Is this really the right message to send Americans? I dont think so and deep in your heart Im sure you dont think so either. Now is the time to take a stand for those you cant.



Sincerely,



Disabled Air Force Veteran



Individual Comment

2002-03-18