A001077
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 11:06 PM
September 11 Victim Compensation Fund Comments
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Mr. Zwick:
I am writing to urge the Justice Department to live up to its name by
administering the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund in a fair and just
manner by including among relatives eligible for compensation those who lost
their life partners as well as de facto parents or children, without regard
to sexual orientation or marital status.
In the midst of this great national tragedy, it is time we truly became a
nation of justice in the way we treat our own citizens. Gay and lesbian
people and their families suffered no less, lost no less, and must have no
less access to equality and justice in its aftermath. I urge you to follow
New York Governor Pataki's example in granting compensation benefits "on a
showing of mutual interdependence with the victim, in recognition that anyone
who shared with the victim living expenses, day-to-day activities and the
emotional bonds of family deserves help in this time of need."
I look forward to a fair and compassionate response from the Administration
in regards to this issue.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Richmond, Virginia