Georgia (VI) Congressman Hank Johnson

Today I continue with Congressman Hank Johnson, Democrat, representative of Georgia's 4th Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Johnson,

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 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." This reform is the surest and most durable means to bring fairness to our society and justice to the operation of our laws.

Your record since your election in 2006 has been solidly in support of the rights of LGBT citizens. You earned 95% positive ratings from the Human Rights Campaign for your first term in office. Moreover, you joined other House Democrats in co-sponsoring a bill to re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment, thus you clearly understand the urgency of civil rights issues pertaining to gender and sex.

A Marriage Equality Amendment would accomplish some of the goals of the Equal Rights Amendment. Though it is less ambitious in scope, its concerns are made pressing by the sustained campaign of discrimination and exclusion manifest in policies like Proposition Eight in California or the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" advocated by the last administration. If the champions of intolerance can advocate profaning our constitution with their discriminatory agenda, it is incumbent upon those of us who see the right to point out that the fundamental spirit of Republic will only be preserved by protecting, not obstructing, the inalienable rights of our citizens.

Though only beginning your second term in office, you have demonstrated great energy and seriousness of purpose. I have set out to write every member of Congress seeking sponsorship of a Marriage Equality Amendment. Perhaps you will see fit to lend it your voice. In any case I thank you for your attention on this matter and hope this message finds you well.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer