California (LII) Congressman Bob Filner

Today I continue with Congressman Bob Filner, Democrat, representative of California's 51st Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Filner,

I write seeking your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment that would recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry throughout the United States. Such an amendment to the federal constitution 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." Would you take up the cause of this reform among your colleagues in Congress?

Your deeds as a Freedom Rider during the civil rights struggle of the 1960's are well known and rightly celebrated, Congressman. Your inspirational history makes me surprised that you have not been more vocal on the issue of marriage equality, especially given recent distressing developments in your own state. Marriage equality is the civil rights struggle of this generation. At stake are the lives, loves, and families of millions of American citizens. Mildred Loving recognized this when she declared her support for marriage equality in 2007.

Your record in support of the rights of LGBT citizens has been exemplary. You twice voted against the execrable so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" and consistently receive perfect scores from the Human Rights Campaign. Now is a critical juncture in our nation's history, however. All who support civil rights and oppose discrimination must go to extraordinary lengths to stand up and be counted. If you lent your integrity and moral authority to the cause of a Marriage Equality Amendment you could tangibly shift the discourse within our country, placing those who posture about "protecting" marriage on the defensive.

I appeal to your proven sense of civic duty and public service, Congressman. I hope that you will see the wisdom of this campaign and lend it your support. In any case I thank you for your attention on this matter and extend my best wishes for the success of the 111th Congress.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer