R002560
Thursday, March 21, 2002 4:31 PM
Financial benefits of partners of 9/11 victims
Dear Friend,
I received this information in my e-mail, sent by a friend who has a gay
daughter, and who is very upset. If it is true, I question the humanity of
the following statement:
In recent interviews, the head of the September 11
Victim Compensation Fund (a fund created by Congress
to help the families of those who died on September
11) has made clear that the partners of gay and
lesbian heroes of September 11 will not necessarily
receive the same benefits as the spouses of
heterosexual victims of the horrible terror attacks.
* * *
I do not see how the sexual orientation of a hero should enter into the
picture when it comes to financial benefits going to the partner of that
hero. The tragedy of 9/11 was of such a magnitude that special dispensation
should be given, and any law that bars rightful recipients of financial
benefits is shameful and will arouse a great many people to take legal
action. Of course, this may be merely a horrible rumor, but if it is not, you
can expect a huge backlash if all the heroes families and partners are not
treated equally. It will become a national shame and scandal, and rightfully
so.
Sincerely,
Individual Comment