dojA001228.xml

dojA001228.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-06

Thursday, December 06, 2001 7:40 PM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund

Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Justice Department's call for public comments regarding the regulations of up the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund." My only suggestions is that the Department be sure to include the domestic partners and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims in its plan to help the victims of September 11.

Obviously, the September 11 tragedy affected us all, and did no less to the families of gays and lesbians. If our nation is to be just in its attempt to aid those who suffered in these terrorist attacks, then it must not exclude any persons most directly affected by this horrible tragedy.

I therefore urge the Department to do justice to those lost in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by not discriminating against gays and lesbians simply because some object to the lifestyle engaged in by others. While having prejudicial views is acceptable, forcing these views on others is not. We must remember this as we attempt to help those families who lost loved ones on September 11.

Many innocent people lost their lives on September 11, each of whom left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to respect and honor these victims, both those no longer with us and those who remain to pick up the pieces, by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims no differently than it would any other.

Individual Comment
Boca Raton, FL

2001-12-06