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Congressional Delegation united
in opposition to proposed constitutional amendment
discriminating on basis of sexual orientation U.S. Congressmen Edward Markey and Barney Frank, on behalf of themselves, Senators Kennedy and Kerry, and Reps. Neal, McGovern, Olver, Meehan, Tierney, Delahunt, Capuano and Lynch, released a letter to every member of the Massachusetts State Legislature expressing opposition to the proposed State Constitutional amendment restricting legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The text of the letter, which was signed by all twelve members of the Congressional delegation and was delivered to the State House the morning of July 15, 2002, appears below:
July 12, 2002 Members of the Massachusetts Legislature
State House
Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Legislative Colleague, We rarely comment on issues that are wholly within the jurisdiction of the General Court, but there are occasions when matters pending before you are of such significance to all residents of the Commonwealth that we think it appropriate for us to express our opinion. One such matter is the proposed Constitutional amendment that would prohibit or seriously inhibit any legal recognition whatsoever of same-sex relationships. We believe it would be a grave error for Massachusetts to enshrine in our Constitution a provision, which would have such a negative effect on so many of our fellow residents. We in Massachusetts are justly proud of our Constitution, one of the first documents on this continent to set forward a system of self-government, which has not only served us well, but has been a model for others. The proposal to add to that document -- essentially a charter of liberty and democracy -- a provision as harsh both in its intent and its effect on our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered constituents is in conflict with the generous spirit that motivated its adoption, and that should continue to govern us today. In addition, as legislators, we believe it would be a terrible mistake to write into our Constitution so sweeping a proposal with the likelihood that it will prevent not only the state government, but also the cities, towns and counties from acting as they might wish to provide some form of recognition for same-sex relationships. We are therefore united in urging you to reject this Constitutional amendment and avoid stigmatizing so many of our fellow citizens who do not deserve to be treated in such a manner. Senator Kennedy
Senator Kerry
Representative Markey
Representative Frank
Represenative Neal
Representative McGovern
Representative Olver
Representative Meehan
Representative Tierney
Representative Delahunt
Representative Capuano
Representative Lynch
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