I received a letter from my Congressman today (Rep. John Lewis, D, GA-5)

I recently signed a petition online regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment where I weighed in and explained why this issue is so important to me. The petition was forwarded to my Congressman, Rep. John Lewis of the fifth district of Georgia. I received the response below today. I realize that this is probably a type of form letter that his office sends out, but it was really nice to see his views spelled out so eloquently. I absolutely adore this man, I'm proud to be his constituent, and I'm glad he's on our side on this issue.

:loveya:

I just thought I would share this letter with all of you...


<--beginning of letter--->


Dear Mr. Caulk:

Thank you for contacting me to express your views on same-sex marriage. I appreciate hearing from you and having the benefit of your views.

As you may know, I am a strong supporter of equal rights for all. My life's struggle has been in the name of equality and tolerance for all Americans. I believe that the effort to secure marriage equality is part of the same struggle.

Conservatives in Congress have embarked upon a so-called "moral" crusade to deny gay and lesbian citizens of this country their right to marry. In both the Senate and the House, the Republican majority unsuccessfully attempted to pass the Federal Marriage Amendment, H.J.Res.106, which would amend our Constitution to forbid same-sex couples from marrying. I voted against the Amendment and spoke vehemently in opposition when it failed to receive the necessary two-thirds majority vote to pass through the House on September 30, 2004. As the Senate and House again take up the marriage amendment, I would like to reiterate my firm stand in opposition to denying gay and lesbian citizens of this country their right to marry.

I understand that same-sex marriage makes many of us uncomfortable; it is a departure from tradition and the accepted norms. Supporters of the marriage amendment claim that we face a decline in so-called "family values" and they propose that they can restore values by excluding same-sex couples from the American community. But my family values are of inclusion, not exclusion. I intend to protect the American family not by singling out certain citizens, but by standing up for over seven million forgotten families living in poverty, ensuring that children are guaranteed first-class education, and easing the burden of single parent households. The attack on same-sex couples is divisive, destructive, and contrary to the American spirit of equality and tolerance. To me, our nation faces far graver threats than those posed by two men or two women who make a solemn, loving commitment.

Again, thank you for weighing in on this issue and please continue to contact me on other issues of importance to you. Also, please visit my website at http://www.house.gov/johnlewis/ for more information.

Sincerely,

John Lewis
Member of Congress

that he's also my Representative.

So proud.