R000812
Friday, March 15, 2002 12:22 AM
Include Gay and Lesbian Survivors in Fund Benefits
Dear Kenneth Feinberg and Whom It May Concern at the September 11 Fund,
As a graduate student at the University of Washington in Public Policy and
as an out and proud lesbian, I am appalled to hear of the audacity your
organization and the Department of Justice are demonstrating in excluding
Gay and Lesbian survivors from benefits of the September 11th Fund.
I am familiar with the argument that discriminating policies of the State
can not be overriden by the Federal government. The argument serves as
justification for not having a national policy to protect Gay
and Lesbian citizens in terms of Constitutional rights, hate crimes, and
marriage. However, although I understand the arguments, I do not agree
with, nor condone your statement to not extend benefits to Gay and Lesbian
survivors of September 11th. Following a direct mandate from Congress
and serving the arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, the September 11th
Fund has a greater responsibility of representing the wishes of the
American people than the narrower focus of individual states. Your agency
is empowered to set a standard of fair compensation to the families of
heroes, the survivors of loved ones. I believe any attempts to do
otherwise demonstrate that the September 11th Fund is hiding behind the
power of the states to mask its own unwillingness to do what is right,
just, and fair. I implore you to change the policies of the September 11th
Fund to INCLUDE Gay and Lesbian survivors as recipients of fund benefits
equal to any other survivors, regardless of sexual orientation.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment