California (VII) Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey

Today I continue with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Democrat, representative of California's 6th Congressional District:

Dear Congresswoman Woolsey,

I write to you as a concerned citizen seeking your support for a Constitutional amendment recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry. Such a Marriage Equality Amendment 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."

As a founding member of the LGBT Equality Caucus, you have been a leading advocate for the rights of same-sex couples in the House. On your website you include this clear and exemplary issue statement:

"Like many Californians, I was thrilled that on May 15, 2008, the California State Supreme Court issued its decision overturning the ban on same sex marriage and affirming that gay and lesbian couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples. Although this ruling is a landmark achievement, we still face challenges ahead and must do everything we can to uphold this decision.

You can be sure that I will continue to protect the rights of all American citizens, no matter what their sexual orientation."

You are no doubt shocked and grieved as I and millions of others at the passage of "Proposition 8." This setback is a clarion call to action. If the opponents of marriage equality can be so unfeeling as to advocate and execute the removal of rights and protections already won by their fellow citizens, the time for sensitivity, compromise, and half measures on the part of defenders of civil rights has passed. We must stand up as a group and declare to the nation what we know to be true: marriage equality is fair and just in principle as it is prudent in practice. Marriage to the partner of one's choice is an inalienable right, and as such it must be Constitutionally protected for all citizens from the prejudices and discriminatory inclinations of those who would seek to selectively curtail it.

Would you take up the cause of this amendment among your colleagues in House and Senate, Congresswoman? If so you would no doubt come under intense political attack, but braving such risks would be quite in step with the legacy of progressive activism you have already built in your career as a legislator. I trust you to give the issue due consideration, and in any case to act with the same conscientious integrity you have always displayed.

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

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer