A000670
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 3:24 AM
Dear Mr. Zwick:
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. As a psychotherapist, I see children from traditional
families who have been abused by their married parents and then given
loving care by gay or lesbian couples. A family is not defined by a
marriage certificate but by the love that binds them together.
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