It appears the momentum that was building in New York to give legal recognition to same-sex marriages has largely dissapated, which led one resident to compose an open letter to his state senator. We thought it was worth sharing with you-here's an excerpt:
Your office has made it painfully clear to me when I called that you are against same sex marriage. I don’t understand your fears.
If it is a religious issue, religion really has no place in politics. Nobody is asking that you marry someone of the same sex. I am not afraid of opposite-sex marriage. You were elected to support the community that you serve. You need to listen to all the voices in that community rather than just acting on your personal beliefs.
Marriage can’t just be about procreation. If that were the case, we should not allow folks to marry unless they’re going to have children. If they can’t physically have children, they should have to adopt children or annul their marriage.
I have been in a monogamous relationship for a few months shy of 20 years. We were married in Toronto Nov. 7, 2003. I’d like to believe that America, and New York in particular, would be more forward-thinking than any other country, but sadly that is not the case.
I am involved in the community. I take great care of my property. I’m a great neighbor, friend, relative, and employee.
I work hard. I pay taxes. I vote to pass school budgets although I don’t have children. I recently received your mailing inviting me to your ‘family day,’ although you have no desire to recognize my family.
Everyone should be allowed to be involved with any consensual partner they choose, regardless of race, color, religion or sexual orientation.
Click here to read the rest of the letter on 365gay.com.
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Steven's letter is a recapitulation of all the cogent, logical, spot-on reasons that civil marriage equality must happen. Sadly, the senator--and many of his colleagues--simply lack the political courage to make this issue what it is, a fundamental human rights matter, and not subject to an arbitrary referendum. The only conclusion we can come to, is that our legislators, with few exceptions, are fearful of what their equally fearful constituents will think. There's a word for this: HOMOPHOBIA.
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