A000847
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 2:25 PM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund
Please see attached letter in MS Word format.
Attachment 1:
Portland OR
December 5, 2001
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
E-MAIL -- victimcomp.comments@usdoj.gov
FAX -- (301) 519-5956
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 that compensation is available to all victims of the attack, including the committed partners and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
The devastating grief and economic losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are the same as the grief and loss 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 loved ones behind to mourn them. I urge the Department to honor these bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other. Please draft regulations to reflect these concerns so that some families are not left out in the cold while others are invited to gather around the fires of compassion and caring. All families should receive equal consideration in the distribution the proceeds of the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Portland OR