R000445
Tuesday, March 12, 2002 6:24 PM
gay and lesbian partners
Dear Madam or Sir:
The Final Rule on the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund will not fairly
compensate (to the extent it is even possible to try) the survivors of those
lost on that terrible day. Specifically, engaged persons and gay men and
lesbians whose partners were killed -- in short, people who intended to
marry victims but had not yet done (or had not yet been permitted to do) so
-- may not be eligible for compensation. I understand that the procedure
defers to state law -- but as the Final Rule notes, state laws vary.
Surely, as this is a Federal fund, this is an appropriate time for the
Federal government to set the example: a man who has lost his wife, a man
who has lost his fiancee, and a man who has lost his husband are all equally
bereaved, and should by every standard of decency be treated so.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response.
Individual Comment
Arlington, VA