dojA001257.xml

dojA001257.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-07

Friday, December 07, 2001 5:58 AM
concerning regulations governing the "September 11th Fund"

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

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I appreciate very much the chance to share my comments concerning
regulations governing the "September 11th Fund", as recently requested
by the Justice Department. 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.

In this time of grief for our nation, I feel that it is necessary for
our government to lead the way in supporting unity and tolerance. Gay
and lesbian families, which consist of committed partners, sometimes
raising children, function just as all American families do: they depend
on one another for emotional and financial support. The terrorist
attacks have destroyed the family support systems of everyone involved,
and all victims are in need of help. By supporting all of the families
devastated by these attacks, the "September 11th Fund" will not only
show boundless compassion, but will quicken the healing of our citizens
and children, and our nation.

I urge the Department to honor all families damaged by the attacks on
September 11, 2001, showing no discrimiation against gay and lesbian
victims, just as they would not discriminate against people of color or
families with different religious backgrounds.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Mount Dora, FL

2001-12-07