R000570
Wednesday, March 13, 2002 8:49 AM
Victim Compensation for Gays and Lesbians
I wish to voice my complaint about the comments from
Meet the Press this past Sunday that I have been reading
about. For the head of the fund to say that violations
of our own immigration laws will be overlooked to
provide for compensation to victims and families of
victims and then to say that the hands of the funds will
be tied by state law as far as compensation to families
and domestic partners of gays and lesbians goes is
outrageous and clearly demonstrates the discrimatory
intent of the compensation plan. This needs to be
addressed and changed.
One of the victims from the restaurant located at the
top of the world trade center was a gay man with a
domestic partner. He and his partner had lived together
for many years. He worked that job so that he could
support his domestic partner in a new business. Because
of his death, his partner has lost his home and has had
to declare bankruptcy, forfeiting his business. If this
were a married straight couple, or even an engaged
straight couple, I am sure that compensation would be
provided for. This discrimination is outrageous and
wrong.
I know that I am far from alone in this view. It is a
shame that you have marred such good intentions with
prejudice and hatred. Stating that benefits will only
be provided in accordance with state law is ridiculous,
as only one state, Vermont, legally recognizes
homosexual domestic partners. Surely this is known to
the Fund and is a lame excuse to promote
discrimination. Especially when federal immigration
laws are being overlooked in the exact same
circumstances.
The story I read is located at:
http://uspolitics.about.com/library/weekly/aa031102a.htm
Individual Comment
Haddon Heights, NJ
cc: Congressman Rob Andrews
Senator John Corzine
Senator Rob Toricelli