California (XIII) Congressman Jerry McNerney

Today I continue with Congressman Jerry McNerney, Democrat, representative of California's 11th Congressional District:

Dear Congressman McNerney,

I write you as a concerned citizen to solicit your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment that would secure the rights of same-sex couples to marry throughout the Union. As a relatively new member of Congress, you have nonetheless distinguished yourself as a strong advocate for civil rights. During your most recent election campaign you spoke out unequivocally against California's Proposition 8, declaring, “I’m against Proposition 8 because I’m against limiting the civil rights of Americans in this country, period.”

Such a forthright stand entailed political risk and deserves praise. The unfortunate passage of Proposition 8 demonstrates that standing up to be counted will not be enough, however. The civil rights of America's citizens will never be fully guaranteed against the forces of discrimination and intolerance until the 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 have demonstrated both an outstanding independence of mind and a political durability that has outstripped the expectations of even members of your own party. Would you take up the cause of this amendment among your colleagues in the House and Senate?

I hope that you will lend this reform your energy and efforts. In any case, I thank you for your attention on this matter, and extend my best wishes for success in the 111th Congress.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer