California (IV) Congressman Wally Herger

Today I continue with Congressman Wally Herger, Republican, representative of California's 2nd Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Herger,

I write you as a concerned citizen to protest your stand on same-sex marriage. You have been an active opponent of all measures recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry, and lent your support to the recently passed Proposition 8. You campaigned around your state and the country, giving speeches declaring that same-sex marriage not only distorts the "traditional" definition of marriage but poses a threat to "healthy" family life, implying, for example, that the legalization of same-sex marriage in Europe can somehow be correlated to a supposed increase in children born out of wedlock. All the while, you maintain that your opposition to same-sex marriage does not mean that you are "anti-gay." With all due respect, Congressman, such a claim is equivalent to the bygone pleas of segregationists that, though they advocated separation of the races, they were not racists.

Same-sex marriage poses no threat, either to the institution of marriage itself or to the family life of the nation. The only real threat is the one that the discriminatory and unjust nature of our current laws poses, both to the rights of our citizens and to the ongoing family life of same-sex couples and their children. I am frankly appalled that a person of your education and experience would work, not only to deny fellow Americans recognition of their rights, but to strip them of protections they have already won. Such deeds rebel against the founding spirit of our Republic and are beneath the dignity of the office you hold.

Our laws will only be brought into alignment with the basic and inalienable rights of our citizens when our U.S. Constitution is amended to 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." You may disagree with the principles expressed in this proposed reform, Congressman, but please know that millions of Americans cherish them and will work tirelessly to see them realized. I urge you to search your conscience and give further reflection to this issue. If you can not lend your support to the legalization of same-sex marriage, you may at least relinquish your opposition.

Thank you for your attention in this matter. I hope this message finds you well.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer