R002716
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Main Building, Room 3140
950 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Mr. Zwick,
March 18, 2002
As a gay Veteran, I am appalled at the recent announcement by the Head of
the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund to exclude gay and lesbian
partners from receiving assistance if their state does not recognize the
relationship. In addition, illegal aliens are supported by the fund and will not
be deported.
Did I just wake up in the Twilight Zone? We can ignore one law for illegal, non-
taxpaying aliens and follow the letter of the law when it comes to legal, tax
paying gay and lesbian citizens? Does equal protection under the law mean
anything in this country? Gay people died trying to save others and in the end
our whole community is spat on by our own Government. Our government is
saying "Thanks Gay people for saving our lives...but we have to follow your
state laws and we will not protect your partners if your state doesn't recognize
you as an equal citizen. But we will protect aliens and not deport them."
I am asking you to reconsider this decision. There are gay families that are in
desperate need of assistance and they deserve to be included and not
excluded. This should be a time of inclusion. The pain of losing a partner is bad
enough, but then to be told you will not receive any assistance but illegal aliens
will is just adding salt to the wound. How much more pain will we force these
folks to go through? Is this really the right message to send Americans? I don't
think so and deep in your heart I'm sure you don't think so either. Now is the
time to take a stand for those you can't.
Sincerely.
Disabled Air Force Veteran
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