A001147
Thursday, December 06, 2001 11:25 AM
(no subject)
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
Hello,
I am writing to you in reference to the Sept. 11th Victim compensation
fund. I know that it is in debate as to how the domestic "life" partners of
victims will be aided in their time of grief.
I would like to offer a show of support by asking the Justice
Department to include 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.
I would ask that the U.S. Government to follow the example already set
by New York Governor Pataki 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."
Please keep in mind that everyone who lost a loved one will suffer from
this tragedy. Every person, regardless of their sexual orientation, still
grieves the loss of their devoted life partner, even if that person was not
eligible to hold a "marriage certificate" due to their same sex partnership.
I urge you to do what is right and to the greater good of everyone
involved. Many innocent people were hurt from this tragedy, there is no need
to extend it any further by exacerbating the loss already experienced.
I thank you for your time, and my prayers go with you as you make some
tough choices that will directly effect the lives and freedoms that we so
enjoy.
Individual Comment
Avondale Estates, GA