California (III) Congressman Mike Thompson

Today I continue with Congressman Mike Thompson, Democrat, representative of California's 1st Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Thompson,

I write to you as a concerned citizen pleading your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry. You have long been an advocate for civil rights, and joined colleagues in co-sponsoring House Joint Resolution 40 of the 110th Congress that would have reintroduced the Equal Rights Amendment to the states for ratification. At present the position of same-sex couples is one of urgent crisis. Not only are hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples and their children systematically deprived of their natural rights by our discriminatory laws and institutions, but because of travesties like Proposition 8, even many families that have briefly enjoyed hard-won recognition of their rights have seen them stripped away.

The dignity and personal autonomy of millions of our citizens and the welfare of thousands of families hinges upon an end to marital inequality. To that end, the only sure and just solution is an amendment to our federal Constitution which would read, "The right to marry shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or any state on account of sex or sexual orientation." The Equal Rights Amendment, correctly interpreted, would no doubt secure rights of marital equality to same-sex couples. Recent history has shown that social prejudices are so pervasive and profound, however, that one would be foolish to rely upon such an operation of clear juristic logic. At the very least, therefore, the Equal Rights Amendment would have to be revised to include language specifically guaranteeing the rights of same-sex couples in order to reliably serve the cause of marriage equality.

You have been an outspoken leader in the Democratic caucus, Congressman, would you not contemplate taking up this fight? I trust you to give the issue due consideration, and to act with the same conscientious integrity you have demonstrated throughout your career. Thank you for your many years of service and for your attention on this matter. I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the holiday season.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer