dojA000888.xml

dojA000888.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 1:03 PM

I am writing in regards to the victims compensation fund and it's
disbursement. As you have probably already heard through media reports
many Gay and Lesbian citizens gave and lost their lives in the September
11th attack. Some worked in the World Trade Center, others were heroes in
giving their lives in public service and as passengers on hijacked planes.
While our lifestyles may be different from the majority, we really are no
different except in whom we choose to love. We attend church, pay taxes,
raise children, volunteer, take care of parents, etc., as most normal,
healthy Americans do. Please don't forget the loved ones left behind in
these "alternative families". I am requesting the following consideration.
Thank you for your time.


I am asking the Justice Department to include among relatives eligible for
compensation those who lost their life partners as well as de facto parents
or children, without regard to sexual orientation or marital status.

I am asking the U.S. Government to follow the example already set by New
York Governor Pataki in granting compensation benefits "on a showing of
mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone who
shared with the victim living expenses, day-to-day activities and the
emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."

Individual Comment
Richmond, VA

2001-12-05