dojA001269.xml

dojA001269.xml

born-digital

email

yes

no

2001-12-07

Friday, December 07, 2001 9:35 AM

Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice

Dear Mr. Zwick:

I am writing in response to the Department's request for public
comments regarding the regulations for implementing
and administering the "September 11 Victim Compensation Fund."
I strongly urge the Department to draft regulations that ensure
compensation is available to all victims of the attack,
including the committed partners and the non-biological children
of both gay and lesbian victims.

The devastating grief and economic losses suffered by the families of gay
and lesbian victims are no less than that of other families, and they should
not be treated as second-class citizens, especially in a time of great need
where fairness and equality needs to be shown to ALL those who suffered loss
due to the terrorist attacks. Just as the terrorists drew no lines in
choosing their victims, our country must draw no lines in compensating those
who suffered the most personal of losses from these horrific attacks.

Many Americans lost their lives on September 11, each of whom
left behind loved ones. I urge the Department to honor these
bonds by treating the families of gay and lesbian victims as you
would any other.

Sincerely,

Individual Comment
Austin, TX

2001-12-07