Here is a letter I sent to Indiana's congressional representation at Washington. Some of it is a form letter, courtesy of the Human Rights Campaign, other parts of it come from my heart.
Dear Member of Congress,
As your constituent, I urge you to not cosponsor or vote for the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment," H.J. Res. 39 and S.J. Res. 1, or any amendment to the US Constitution that would write discrimination into the Constitution.
The Marriage Protection Amendment does nothing to "protect" marriage. Instead, it singles out a group of Americans for discrimination in the United States Constitution. The Constitution has always been used to guarantee rights and freedoms, not to take them away.
Further, this amendment would do real harm to same-sex couples and their children, who already do not enjoy the vast majority of benefits and protections that married couples enjoy. This is a slap in the face, an action merely sought to advance personal agendas.
Regardless of your position on marriage, it has become necessary to protect citizens of the United States against an extreme right-winged attack. Same-sex marriage would not have a negative impact on the welfare of society, but support of such a discriminatory bill will breed further hatred, possibly leading to violence.
I urge you to listen to how these discriminatory measures impact real families, oppose any efforts to alter our Constitution and urge your colleagues in the Senate to focus on other issues that are priorities
Please support a way in which thouands of others can enjoy the same benefits a marriage will bring. This is your chance to make positive, accepting changes. This is your chance to stand up for a seeming minority, and make history.
As a graduate student of political science, I have come to appreciate, even more, our wonderful country. I look forward to receiving your response.