A001318
Friday, December 07, 2001 7:16 PM
compensation for gay/lesbian families 9/11
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Mr. Zwick,
I am writing because I heard about the Department's request for public
comments regarding regulations for administering the September 11 Victim
compensation Fund, and I really think that you should include gay and
lesbian families, as well as all families arranged in non-traditional ways
(for instance, multi-generational families, families with distant
relatives, etc.) in these regulations. Please, make the regulations
ensure compensation to ALL victims of the attack, including committed
partners and non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
I'm afraid you won't do that for two reasons: first, because you may not
think gay and lesbian families deserve consideration of this kind.
Second, you may think it's not economically feasible to compensate these
family members. I'm here to tell you that neither of these considerations
is accurate.
FIRST: Gay and lesbian families, and non-traditional families of all
kinds, deserve help. Their relationships and their dependence on one
another is just as palpable and real as the relationships of those who are
married-with-children. Honor people's love and chosen relationships:
that's the simplest way to put it. It's ONLY RIGHT.
SECOND: NYC has, because of the admirable stance of Mayor Giuliani, been
offering compensation to victims regardless of sexual orientation--and
that includes families of gay partners, etc. It has *not* broken the
bank--it has had only good effects. Ask him! He's even a Republican.
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. YOU NEED TO
LEAD THIS COUNTRY MORALLY AS WELL AS FISCALLY. DO IT!
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment