Kim Gandy President Karen Johnson Executive Vice President

Olga Vives Action Vice President Terry O'Neill Membership Vice President

Honorable Member
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator:

The National Organization for Women, representing over 500,000 contributing members nationwide, expresses our strong opposition to the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, S.J. Res. 26. Adding an amendment to the Constitution that would deny equal treatment for same-sex couples wishing to marry is a profound betrayal of the democratic principles underlying that document. We believe that equal treatment as guaranteed by the 14th amendment is sacrosanct: individuals—regardless of their sexual orientation—must be assured the same rights and responsibilities as all other individuals in this society.

It is with great sadness that we see prominent senators espouse anti-democratic views such as those embodied in S.J. Res. 26, promoting divisive positions that convey a second class status for same sex couples. We believe that the country is not well-served by elected officials who would abuse our democratic institutions in this way.

There is no question that the federal marriage amendment is underpinned by a right-wing religious ideology that condemns and abhors homosexuality in general. As a nation, we cannot make special provisions for those personal attitudes and religious beliefs that hold marriage is only for heterosexual couples. Some may hold those notions, but advocating for a constitutional amendment to implement their religious intolerance is simply wrong. Just as we oppose the present embrace of extreme religious views in reproductive rights laws and policies, we must object to the introduction of discriminatory conservative religious viewpoints into the U.S. Constitution.

Equally disturbing is current conservative rhetoric accusing "activist judges" of promoting certain social agendas. This politicization of our judicial system is damaging to our social fabric and the preservation of law and order. It becomes very difficult to admire and respect public leaders who would demean our most important institutions.

NOW also believes that the Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996, is unconstitutional and should be repealed. Our organization has pledged to work for that repeal, and to support no candidates or incumbents who oppose the repeal of that unfortunate measure and who do not support equal marriage rights. We will be working in the various states and Congressional Districts to carry home the message of equality just as we have for the last 38 years.

In closing, we urge you to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment, and to move on to the truly important issues of guaranteeing equal treatment and opportunity for all, providing economic security for our families, and building a vital and just society.

Sincerely,

Kim A. Gandy
President, National Organization for Women