FMA crashes and burns

Below is the text of a message I sent to my congresswoman, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) in response to the defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment on the House floor today.

And, as of 7/20/06, her response. :o)



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Dear Representative Jones:

As a heterosexual man with a number of gay and lesbian friends and colleagues, I applaud the House of Representatives for defeating the Federal Marriage Amendment, and thank you for your part in doing so. I strongly oppose any measure designed to discriminate against a specific group of Americans.

I am just one of many citizens of this district who believe that regardless of sexual orientation, a commitment made between two individuals to share their lives with each other should be recognized and defended. With this in mind, I also understand the way some Americans are hesitant to change the way they think about marriage as a religious institution. Ultimately, I am convinced that if we as a society were to differentiate between the religious institution of marriage and the right to share one's life with the person of one's own choosing--and be afforded all the privileges that should accompany such a decision--people in every walk of life could benefit from it. This would not be an attack on marriage, as some might protest, but rather the simple distinction between religious matrimony and the legal union of two people.

As with any serious matter, I know the debate over this issue will not be resolved quickly, but I urge you and all your colleagues to continue fighting for equality as one of the defining principles of our democratic system.

Respectfully Yours,

Jared M. Sampson
Cleveland, OH

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July 19, 2006

Dear Mr. Sampson:

Thank you for your correspondence in reference to the Marriage Protection Amendment. I appreciate knowing your views. As your representative, it is important for me to hear what constituents think on pertinent issues. I voted against this legislation, which was considered by the House of Representatives, July 19, 2006. Fortunately, the bill failed to obtain the two-thirds majority needed on any measure that would amend the constitution.

Amending the Constitution is the most far-reaching step that legislators can take in governing the citizens of this country, and it is my belief that the Constitution should be the instrument that protects and guarantees the rights of individuals; it should not be used to limit the rights of individuals. The defeat of this legislation is tantamount to the preservation of human rights in this country.

If Congress would like to take the issue of protecting marriage seriously, it should make a serious commitment to curb the divorce rate. We should protect access to overtime pay so that couples can spend more time with one another and less time working apart. We should support responsible healthcare legislation that ensures married couples live long healthy lives together. We should work diligently to pass legislation that strives to prevent terrorist attacks and spare families the experience of losing a loved one through such a tragedy. I cannot, in good faith, support legislation that undermines our U.S. Constitution and facilitates hatred against any group of people on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation.

My idea of marriage protection is supporting legislation that ensures married couples share a long and happy life together. As your representative in Congress, you have my vow to do just that. Thank you again for contacting my office and please do not hesitate to do so in the future.

Sincerely,

STJ:th
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Member of Congress