A000953
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 4:11 PM
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 people seem to think that only homosexuals, themselves,
care about laws that our country makes that discriminate against
gays and lesbians. We are a happily married traditional couple
with strong religious and ethical values. Lesbians and gays
have served our country in all the ways that it is possible for
human beings to serve: in the military, regardless of what they
are permitted to tell; in the protective civil forces, such as the police
and firefighters; in the rescue and health care professions, and
more personally, as beloved spouses, sons, daughters, sisters,
brothers, and even adoptive parents.
Regardless of anyone's approval or disapproval of their desires,
or their lifestyle, gays and lesbians are human beings with just as
much right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as any
other person. All Americans are supposed to have those rights,
not just the Americans that ultra-conservatives approve of.
Excluding their grieving families from the help offered to other
American families, when they have suffered exactly the same losses,
is a slap in the face to them, and an act that we, as part of the majority
of fair-minded people in this country, would find deeply shameful.
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
Cedar Park, TX