A003533
Wednesday, December 19, 2001 4:25 PM
11 September benefits
December 19, 2001
Dear Mr. Kenneth Zwick,
As a citizen concerned about justice in our society, and as someone who
believes firmly that equality is a cornerstone of American civilization, I
write in support of equal access to benefits under the September 11
Victims Relief Fund for all victims, regardless of sexual orientation or
marital status. The United States has committed itself to many landmark
declarations of human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which
prohibit arbitrary discrimination.
I ask that you apply basic international human rights standards, as well
as basic and obvious standards of justice, and 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. The State of New York has already adopted such a policy, 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."
Many lesbian and gay people were killed in the September 11th attacks.
Since then, lesbian and gay surviving partners of those killed have had
mixed results in obtaining equal treatment at the local level in the
distribution of relief funds by private and state agencies. An inclusive
policy on the part of the federal government would help establish an
important principle for other such funds. In compensating victims, real
justice will be served only when all families - and all types of families -
impacted by the human rights tragedy of September 11 are treated with
dignity and equality.
Please do not worsen the sufferings of those who have lost loved ones in
this most horrific of tragedies by refusing honorable demands for relief.
To do so would be a crime against them, against the human race, and against
all that America stands for.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Boston, MA