A001258
Friday, December 07, 2001 6:59 AM
Fw: Sept. 11 Victims Compensation Fund Rules
ATTN: Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Management Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
I understand the DOJ is gathering comments on the rules to govern the distribution of funds in the Sept. 11 Victims Compensation Fund.
Please note that I favor rules that contain a broad definition of "family" or "household" so that life partners and household members of gay victims can receive benefits. Since gay people in the United States cannot legally marry, there must be other criteria than legal marriage certificates for determining such status. I think applying common law marriage criteria would be one possible way to go (proof of cohabitation for X number of years -- I would suggest 2 years as an indicator of commitment). Other criteria you could consider using: awarding benefits to beneficiaries named in the victim's life insurance policies, or in wills or health-care directives.
Thank you for your consideration.
Individual Comment
Daytona Beach, Fl.