dojA001116.xml

dojA001116.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-06

Thursday, December 06, 2001 9:00 AM
Sept. 11 Compensation Fund

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

Dec. 6, 2001

Dear Mr. Zwick,
We are 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." We strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure compensation is available to all victims of the attack, including the committed partners and non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
Is there some question in your mind that the devastating grief and economic losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims is less than that of other families? How would you feel if a gay or lesbian victim was a member of your family? 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. How can you be selective about whose deaths are important? Is this an example of our wonderful American democracy? Gay and lesbian victims are also members of our country and the human race, and have to be treated as such.

Yours truly,

Individual Comment
Lake Worth, FL

2001-12-06