A001125
Thursday, December 06, 2001 9:35 AM
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.
The families of the gay and lesbian victims have suffered the same
devastating losses as the families of every other victim of this terrible
attack. Gay and lesbian victims have left behind surviving partners and
children who are not only devastated by grief, but are also suffering from
the loss of their primary financial support. Just yesterday, I read an
article about a woman in Virginia who is in danger of losing her home,
because her partner was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. In fact, the
families of gay and lesbian victims may need even more aid from the
government than the families of other victims, because some state funds and
private charities are refusing them aid, not because they are not in need,
but simply because of the kind of family they have.
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. Please help these families and
demonstrate that the United States believes in fairness, compassion, and
justice for all.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Sincerely yours,
Individual Comment
Baltimore, MD