Posted on 02/11/2004 5:00:49 PM PST by MountainPatriot
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
And most of the heartland. As America learns just how liberal Kerry is, he is sunk, period.
It seems I have seen something on Kerry's website in the past that was pretty much an endorsement for gay marriage. I go look again...
John Kerry believes that same-sex couples should be granted rights, including access to pensions, health insurance, family medical leave, bereavement leave, hospital visitation, survivor benefits, and other basic legal protections that all families and children need. He has supported legislation to provide domestic partners of federal employees the benefits available to spouses of federal employees. He was one of 14 Senators -- and the only one up for reelection in 1996 -- to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Kerry believes in gay marriage, he just doesn't have the backbone to call it gay marriage. Kerry is trying to play all sides of the issue, but instead he will alienate both sides. Good move Kerry!
I believe the title of this article is incorrect. He did not say he endorsed homosexual marriage. Some on the left are for homo civil unions but not marriage which is what Kerry will say. They will play word games. Both terms make me want to hurl. But let's get it right, folks.
Kerry the fairie?
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