A005480
December 12, 2001
Kenneth L. Zwick, Director
Office of Mangement Programs, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
Via Fax: 301-519-5956
Dear Mr. Zwick,
On behalf of the more than 1,050 congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we
urge the Department of Justice to include among relatives eligible for compensation those who
lost their life partners or de facto parents or children, regardless of sexual orientation and marital
status.
The laudable purpose of the September 11th Fund is to provide compensationfor the losses of
relatives of those who died, and those who were injured. It is crucial for the many grieving
families that the regulations implementing this purpose permit recovery for all deserving
relatives, including the committed partners or non-biological children of gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender victims of the attacks. Those who lost beloved companions, parents, or children
have suffered immeasurably, and should not be forced to endure the additional hardship of being
denied compensation for their losses.
The support of the Unitarian Universalist Association stems from our most deeply-held religious
beliefs, as they are expressed in our Principles and Purposes. We believe in the inherent worth
and dignity of every person, and we affirm the need for justice, equity and compassion in human
relations. We therefore urge you to ensure that all family members of the September 11th victims
are eligible for financial support, regardless of the strict legality of their relationship.
On September 11, our differences took a back seat to our common victimization. The tragedy
gave our nation an urgent need to come together as never before. As the logistivs of how to
distribute compensation are worked out, we urge you to treat all victims as equal. Those who are
still suffering emotionally and economically deserve a compassionate response from the
American people, charities, and our government, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, family status, or any other strict legal classification. Excluding people based on
these factors would be glaringly inconsistent with our national spirit of unity, as well as the
religious teachings of not only our faith tradition but countless others.
Again, we urge you to treat all victims equally.
Sincerely,
Comment By
Unitarian universalist Association of Congregations
Washington, DC