A002148
Monday, December 17, 2001 10:18 PM
Discrimination
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 domestic partnerships (committed partners) and the non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
It is not difficult for domestic partners to demonstrate (objectively) their financial interdepence. Health Insurance companies have been doing this for quite sometime and require proof of financial interdepence for at least one year. It can be evidence such as a joint lease or joint purchase of real estate, or recent utility bills for the same address. There are many documents that can show this interdepence.
It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic losses suffered by the families of gay and lesbian victims are no less than that of other families. 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.
Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to honor these clear bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other. Would you rather that the survivors file lawsuits? Would you rather that children survivors petition the courts for support. How will it look to the vast majority of Americans who may have religious differences and still believe in freedom. What message would our government be sending?
Would that make our government any better than the terrorists?
I hope that the administrators in our government have the decency to help all the victims who have suffered so much.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Stoughton, MA