Dear Friend,
We are almost there. LGBT Americans have suffered for so long under discriminatory laws that treat them like second-class citizens, but the Supreme Court’s ruling last week on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has given the marriage equality movement new energy.
While the Supreme Court’s ruling struck down a provision of DOMA that defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, other sections of the law still remain in effect. These sections deal with the rights of states when it comes to marriage, such as the right of a state to deny recognition of same-sex marriages that originated in other states.
Thankfully, the Respect for Marriage Act has been introduced in the House and in the Senate to repeal the remaining sections of DOMA and extend the federal benefits associated with marriage to all couples regardless of their sexual orientation. The bill already has 41 Senate co-sponsors and 161 House co-sponsors, but we need your help to ensure its passage.
All Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be able to marry the person they love. By helping us to support this bill, you will ensure that millions of Americans are given the same benefits and privileges that all married couples enjoy.
Stand up for marriage equality by asking your Representative and Senators to support this bill!
Thank you for fighting with us for equality.
Sincerely,
Roy Speckhardt
Executive Director