Colorado (IV) Congressman Jared Polis

Today I continue with Congressman Jared Polis, Democrat, representative of Colorado's 2nd Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Polis,

I write to solicit your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment that would recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry throughout the United States. The text of such an 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." Such a reform would be the most certain and durable means to aligning our laws with the basic and inalienable rights of our citizens.

As the first openly gay candidate for Congress from the state of Colorado you made history upon winning election last November. You made support for LGBT rights and a pledge to fight for marriage equality a cornerstone of your campaign. Support for a Marriage Equality Amendment would thoroughly and unequivocally fulfill those campaign promises.

As a newly elected Representative you are no doubt cautious about choosing the issues to which you will commit your public advocacy. Some might advise you that an amendment to the federal constitution is an overly aggressive and politically untimely remedy, but I would urge you to think otherwise. On the one hand, the expansion of marriage equality rights in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and elsewhere demonstrates that a sea change in social attitudes is underway across our nation, especially among young voters that came out in such large numbers last November. On the other hand, the passage of travesties like Proposition 8 in California demonstrate that the forces of bigotry and discrimination are well-funded and highly motivated, and must be met with equivalently unwavering determination. Now is assuredly the time to take an unambiguous and principled stand in support of what is right and just.

I have set out to write every member of Congress seeking support for a Marriage Equality Amendment. My letters are being collected on a weblog at: http://marriageequalityamendment.blogspot.com/. The fight for a Marriage Equality Amendment would no doubt be long, difficult, and politically perilous. I hope, however, that you can be persuaded to lend your proven energy and ingenuity to this cause. In any case I thank you for your attention on this matter and extend my congratulations on your election.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer