A004280
Thursday, December 20, 2001 11:58 AM
Equality
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
To whom it may concern,
I have found out that the justice department is accepting public input at
this time regarding the distribution of the September 11 Victims Relief Fund,
the eligibility to be announced December 21. It is my concern that gay and
lesbian partners have equal access to compensation.
So far, surviving partners have not always been able to get equal
treatment from private and state agencies. The U.S. government has an
obligation to uphold international human rights standards that prohibit
discrimination. It would be appropriate to acknowledge de facto parents or
children regardless of sexual orientation or marital status.
A good example of an inclusive policy is that of New York state which
grants benefits on the basis of interdependence and emotional bonds of daily
living.
I appeal to you for real justice where all types of families are treated
with dignity and equality.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment