A001183
Thursday, December 06, 2001 1:45 PM
Victim Compensation Fund
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to thank you for establishing the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund" to provide assistance to persons injured as a result of the terrorist attacks and to compensate the relatives of those who were killed as a result.
From the brave young gay man who lost his life on the plane attempting to save the lives of innocent people... to the gay priest who lost his life while ministering at Ground Zero... to the many lesbian and gay employees working in the World Trade Center... it is vitally important that our government treat all of our families with dignity and respect and equality.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gendered persons and their families deserve the same treatment and benefits of any family.
As a member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Key West, Florida, I know our lives have forever been touched by the death of many and especially the death of , and the loss experienced by her life partner and their .
The of Metropolitan Community Churches, stated:
"Our pain is no less.
Our loss is no less.
And our access to justice and equality in the aftermath of this crisis must be no less."
I encourage you to treat all of the victims of the attacks and their families as equal in any compensatory action. I ask 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."
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Orlando, FL