California (XXV) Congresswoman Lois Capps

Today I continue with Congresswoman Lois Capps, Democrat, representative of California's 22nd Congressional District:

Dear Congresswoman Capps,

I write you as a concerned citizen to solicit your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment that would recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry throughout the United States. You have been a vocal champion of marriage equality in the Congress. In the wake of the California's Supreme Court Ruling affirming the principle of marriage equality you issued this press release:

“This is a momentous day for the State of California and for those who value family rights and civil rights for all. Once again, California has stepped up and been a leader in protecting equal rights for all of its citizens. This decision will strengthen families across the state and ensure that gays and lesbians in committed relationships will be able to enjoy the same rights and privileges as heterosexual couples. Providing rights to gay and lesbian couples through a separate system of domestic partnerships, while a step forward, is not enough. Today’s decision affirms the fundamental American principal of equality for all.”

Few members of Congress have articulated the justness of this cause so clearly or so courageously. Like millions of others you were no doubt deeply saddened by the passage of California's Proposition 8, which has cast a shadow on the bright example that California had set for the rest of the nation. Instead of being disheartened, however, those of us who understand the urgent need for marriage equality must rally to more aggressive action. The forces of discrimination and bigotry are uncompromising in the promotion of their misguided values, and so must we be uncompromising and forthright in standing witness for the ultimate rightness of our own.

The surest and most enduring way to secure and protect the rights of all Americans is to amend the U.S. Constitution 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." I have set out to write every member of Congress soliciting their support for this change to our basic law. Would you lend your efforts and good name to this enterprise, Congresswoman?

Obviously the struggle to enact such a reform would be very long, difficult, and fraught with political peril. If the most recent national election has taught us anything, though, it is that no one can be sure what change the nation is ready for until someone attempts to lead it there. I hope that on reflection you will join this campaign. In any case I thank you for your attention and for your service to our nation, and extend you my best wishes.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer