A000096
Wednesday, November 28, 2001 2:10 PM
Benefits to survivors of gay victims of terrorism
Importance: High
November 28, 2001
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Dear Mr. Zwick:
Let me join my voice with those who are urging you to include among
relatives eligible for compensation after the events of September 11
those who lost life partners, as well as de facto parents or children,
regardless of sexual orientation and marital status.
I agree with the position taken today in an editorial in The Washington
Post that the longtime partners of those killed in the terrorism
atrocities are as needy -- and as deserving -- as are other survivors.
My own gay partnership is of 28 years' duration, although it has never
been possible for us to marry. It hurts me to think that were I a
victim of this major terrorism, my fellow Americans would deny to my
partner assistance given to persons who might have been married for a
year or less.
You will be remembered for the equity with which you carry out your
task. Let reason trump discriminatory tradition. Let freedom ring and
fairness reign!
Individual Comment
Arlington, Virginia