A001002
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 6:31 PM
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. Gay and lesbians in our country already suffer the
discrimination of the failure of government institutions to grant
full recognition to such relationships. To deny these families aid on the premise that these
relationships are not "legal" is to add insult to injury.
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. 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
Omaha, NE
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