A000423
Tuesday, December 04, 2001 5:52 PM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund
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 surviving committed partners, and the
non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
It is a certainty that some reprehensible people will attempt to take
advantage of the situation and try to get compensation that isn't rightfully
theirs. It is an equal certainty that equally reprehensible people will try
to prevent others from getting what is rightfully theirs, because those
particular victims don't share the same "values" as they do. Neither of
these things should be tolerated.
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. 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
Boston, MA