A005478
December 12, 2001
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
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 committed partners and non-biological children of gay and lesbian victims.
It is unquestionable that the devastating grief and economic losses 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. Without the legal protections that federally recognized marriage licenses provide to heterosexual
couples and their children, many families of lesbian and gay will not have access to such important benefits as
social security death benefit income and tax-free transfers of property and/or financial accounts from the
deceased spouse to the surviving spouse.
For many lesbian and gay families, the "September 11th Victim Compensation Fund" may be their only recourse
for receiving much needed assistance. Even charities such as the Red Cross are not legally bound to provide
services or funds for the lesbian and gay families of victims of September 11. Many Americans lost their lives
on September 11, each of whom left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to honor all these bonds of love
and commitment by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you would any other biological or
federally-defined family by marriage. This way, at least on some level, America can proudly demonstrate in
deed as well as word that she regards all her people, regardless of sexual orientation, as equal, valued citizens.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Jersey City, New Jersey