R002857
March 13, 2002
Kenneth L. Zwick
Director, Office of Management Programs
Civil Division, US Dept of Justice Main Building
Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Mr. Zwick:
Of all the terrible moments of September 11th, the worst for me personally was watching
the first WTC tower collapse, not yet knowing whether one of my dearest friends had
escaped. Fortunately, she was safe; she wasn't even in her office in the South Tower that
day. However, had she been there and had she been among those killed, her loved one
would right now be losing her home. And that's because is a lesbian.
I have learned that your are on record assaying you will follow state law regarding
compensating same-sex domestic partners of 9/11 victims. I urge you to reconsider this
position. It is grossly unfair. Since you have chosen-rightly-to make recompense to
families of illegal aliens, you clearly have the power, authority and moral right to make
choices that are at odds with previous U.S. policies. Please, do the same thing with the
same-sex survivors.
I know how divisive issues of sexual orientation still are in this country; I am under no
illusion that you aren't being besieged by calls from the Christian Right to prop up the
"traditional family." But please, do the right thing and treat same-sex partners with the
same care, concern, compassion, and fairness as all the other victims of the terrorist
attacks. This no time to further punish those who are already suffering so terribly.
Thank you for considering my position.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment
Washington, DC