dojA000958.xml

dojA000958.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 4:21 PM
Victim Compensation Rules

5 December 2001

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

Dear Mr. Zwick:

This letter is in response to the Department's request for public comments
regarding the forthcoming regulations for implementing and administering the
"September 11 Victim Compensation Fund." I strongly urge the Department to
draft regulations that are fair by ensuring that compensation is available to
all victims of the attack, including the committed partners and the
non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.

Surely we must recognize that the devastating grief and economic losses
suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are just as great as
those suffered by other families. The terrorists made no distinction in
choosing their victims, so it is appropriate that our country must make no
distinction 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. I urge the Department to honor these bonds by treating the
families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other.

Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Ashland, OR

2001-12-05