California (XIV) Congresswoman Jackie Speier

Today I continue with Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Democrat, representative of California's 12th Congressional District:

Dear Congresswoman Speier,

I write you as a concerned citizen to solicit your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment recognizing the right of same-sex couples to marry. Newly elected to the House in April of 2008, you are already one of the most outspoken advocates for the rights of LGBT citizens. You are to be particularly commended for your forthright and unequivocal stand on the issue of marriage equality. Like you, I agree that, "Marriage equality is perhaps the most profound civil rights issue of our generation."

You are no doubt as disheartened as I by the passage of Proposition 8 in the most recent election, threatening to undo the wise and just ruling of California's Supreme Court. If marriage equality is indeed the civil rights issue of our era, this must be counted one of its darkest hours. Robust and uncompromising action is required to stem the tide of discrimination and injustice. To this end, I have set out to write every member of Congress seeking there support for the following amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "The right to marry shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or any state on account of sex or sexual orientation." My letters are being gathered at a weblog online:

http://marriageequalityamendment.blogspot.com/

Hard experience teaches us that the civil rights of Americans will continue to be violated until such safeguards are written into our basic law. Your story of survival and courage at the Jonestown massacre in Guyana, where you had accompanied the late Congressman Ryan as his aide, is an inspiring one, made more so by the fact that you have continued to choose a life of civic engagement and personal sacrifice. Moreover, you continue to show courage in your outspoken and principled advocacy of equality and justice. Taking up the cause of this amendment would no doubt attract criticism and even rancor, but it would be a continuation of the good work you did with Mark Leno during your tenure in California's state legislature. The road to the eventual achievement of marriage equality throughout the Republic will no doubt be long and hard, but the only chance of success lies with those of us who see the justice of this cause right now. Will you lead us in this next step toward a more perfect Union?

I thank you for your attention on this matter. Please accept my congratulations on your election to the House and my best wishes for success in your new office.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer