dojA000724.xml

dojA000724.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-05

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 9:18 AM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund

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


Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am 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." 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.

It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are no less than that of other families. 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. If I had been one of the ones to lose my life, I could not imagine my own partner being treated with such disrespect and our relationship being invalidated in such a way. 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
Washington, DC

2001-12-05