Connecticut (IV) Congressman Joe Courtney

Today I continue with Congressman Joe Courtney, Democrat, representative of Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Courtney,

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. Across the U.S. the tide of marriage equality has been rising. The recent court decision in Iowa and the courageous action of the Vermont legislature demonstrate that public awareness has shifted. A new generation of Americans understand that marriage equality is not a religious issue but a question of civil rights. At stake is whether all Americans will enjoy the "equal protection of the law," or whether a system of apartheid will persist in which millions are relegated to second-class citizenship.

Even so, those who support injustice and discrimination remain active, vocal, and exceedingly well-funded. The narrow passage of "Proposition 8" in California and the fear-mongering "Gathering Storm" ad campaign by the so-called "National Organization for Marriage" evince the determination of those who not only oppose the recognition of marriage equality rights moving forward, but would turn back the clock and restore America's illiberal past. Such a coordinated assault upon the rights of American citizens must be met with a robust response. For this reason I and others propose that the federal constitution be 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."

The fight for such a change to our basic law would obviously be long, difficult, and fraught with political peril. As a recently elected representative you no doubt will be cautious in choosing the issues to which you choose to lend your public advocacy. I recommend this campaign to you as not only right and just, but one which could effect real and positive change for millions of Americans in the long term. I have set out to write every member of Congress seeking support for a Marriage Equality Amendment. Please consider advocating for this reform among your colleagues in the House. In any case I thank you for your attention on this matter and extend my best wishes.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer