The Honorable XXXXX
Maryland House of Delegates or Maryland State Senate
Street Address
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Delegate/Senator XXX:
Opening Paragraph #1
I/We am writing to ask you to vote against House Bill 16 which will amend the Maryland State Constitution to say that "only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid in this State". I/We also ask that you support House Bill #### which will grant committed gay and lesbian couples specific rights such as hospital visitation.
Opening Paragraph #2
I/We would like you oppose House Bill 16 which declares only marriages between a man and a woman are valid. Maryland's constitution was created to ensure equal rights for all Marylanders. If passed, this will be the first time in our history that we will write discrimination against a group of people into the constitution. I/We are also asking that you support House Bill ####. The Domestic Partnership Registry will help ensure basic legal protections to gay and lesbian families.
Opening Paragraph #3 (Parent)
I have never before written my State representative however, I feel so strongly that House Bill 16, titled "Valid Marriages" must be opposed, and that House Bill #### must be supported that I feel compelled to share my viewpoint with you. As a parent of a gay son/lesbian daughter these bills go to the heart of the fairness any parents expects for their children.
Main paragraph #1
Gay and lesbian Americans deserve the same rights and protections under the law as other Americans - and gay and lesbian couples who make a life-long commitment to one another should receive the same legal rights and benefits of marriage that other couples receive. There are hundreds of ways in which state laws take marital status into account, including some of the most basic of human rights. State laws protect married couples in extremely important ways, such as allowing hospital visitation, the right to inherit without a will and the right to make decisions in a medical emergency.
Main paragraph #2 Gay/Lesbian Couple
We have been together as a couple for over XX years, we are committed to each other and consider ourselves "married" in every sense of the word. We take care of each other when we are sick, we share the happiness of the holidays with each other's families, and we share a home together (Something about children if you have them). But our relationship is given second class citizen status. When I take my partner to the hospital I have to carry legal documents with me to allow me to visit him/her, if either of us were to die, we are not granted the legal right to pass on property or assets without consideration of considerable inheritance tax. There are over 1000 benefits granted to married couples by the State and federal government that we are not able to access merely because our relationship is not recognized.
Main Paragraph # 3
I /we recognize the tremendous importance of marriage, it is one of our finest institutions. It contributes mightily to the stability of our society, to the proper raising of children, and the rational organization of families. It is for these very reasons that the same rights and responsibilities must be afforded to our gay and lesbian families. Marriage needs all of the support it can get and the gay and lesbian community will prove to be valuable, essential supporters. Just give them the chance. A marriage license confers more than a thousand federal, and hundreds of state-level, rights and responsibilities, including the right to visit a spouse in the hospital; make medical decisions for a spouse if he or she is ill; take leave Family and Medical Leave to care for a sick spouse; file joint tax returns; and inherit property, disability and social security in the event of a spouse's death. Gay and Lesbian families seek these same benefits.
Main Paragraph #4
Some of your constituents may be writing to you arguing that same sex marriage is "not natural" or prohibited by the Bible. Sadly, these very same arguments were used in the 1960s to argue that marriage rights should not be granted to interracial couples. It took a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (Loving v. Virginia) in 1967 to correct what is now such an obvious injustice. In a few years will we look back on HB 16 and wonder incredulously how we could have considered codifying such a mean spirited bill? The only way in HB 16 could be construed, as a "defense of marriage" is if somehow gay couples are "flawed" or "second-class citizens" and therefore are damaging the institution of marriage by joining its ranks. Unfortunately, when you push aside all of the well-crafted rhetoric that is precisely what those proposing House Bill 16 believe.
Closing Paragraph #1
Maryland should follow the leads of Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. These states have taken steps to remedy discrimination against families headed by same-sex couples, and each in its own way has provided much-needed recognition to these families. Thank you for time and consideration of this important issue.
Closing Paragraph #2
Thank you for your consideration of our/my concerns. I/we ask you again to please oppose House Bill 16 and support any HB ###, the well being of our and thousands of Maryland families depend upon it.
Closing Paragraph # 3
Thank-you for considering my viewpoint on HB 16 and HB ###. I trust you will cast a vote inclusive of ALL Marylanders..
Sincerely
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