Write Governor Douglas today!

The 2009 legislative session is just around the corner.  We must begin our work with Governor Jim Douglas TODAY to ensure that he understands the importance of marriage equality to Vermonters.

With your help, we can educate Gov. Douglas.

Below are some quick tips for your letter.

***See sample letter at the bottom of this page.***

1. Set a positive tone.  Our goal is to educate Gov. Douglas, not to alienate him.  Your letter should demonstrate your support of marriage equality and explain why it is important to you and your family.  Steer clear of hurtful accusations or negative language.  Help him recognize that he has an opportunity to be on the right side of history by supporting equal rights for same-sex couples in Vermont.

2. Include a photo.  Photos are a great way to connect Gov. Douglas to our families and to our stories.  Make sure the photo is not blurry.  If you have a partner or a child who is gay or lesbian, try to send a photo with them and be sure to tell Gov. Douglas their names to personalize the letter.  (Using first names only is appropriate.)

3.  Ask him to support equality in the first paragraph.  It's important to state at the beginning of the letter why you're writing him, so don't bury the lead.  Tell him up front that you want him to support marriage equality.

4.  Share a little about your life.  Include information that will help Gov. Douglas connect with you, like: how many children/grandchildren you have, what type of work you do, if you're retired, whether you're married and for how long, list any hobbies or volunteer work, etc.  Also, if you've met Gov. Douglas at an event, be sure to reference your meeting.

5.  Let him know you're a parent or grandparent.  Be sure to tell Gov. Douglas that you are a parent or a grandparent of someone who is gay or lesbian.  This will help him recognize that denying same-sex couples the legal right to marry negatively impacts everyone in the family.

6.  If you're a Republican, let Governor Douglas know that.  We know he values hearing from all Vermonters and, as a Republican, you can demonstrate to the governor that members of his party value this issue.

7.  Keep it short.  Try to limit your letter to one page and be sure to include your full name and the town you live in.

Sample Letter Below

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gov. Jim Douglas
109 State St., Pavilion
Montpelier, VT 05609


Dear Gov. Douglas,

I am writing to urge you to support marriage rights for same-sex couples.  My husband, Scott, and I raised our three children here in Danville and have deep roots in Vermont.  My husband's family is from St. Albans, and I have lived here since we married 36 years ago.  Scott is a small business owner, and I work at a hospice.  Our children, Ryan, Jennifer and Jason, attended St. Johnsbury Academy and each have stayed close to home, but this may not always remain so for one of our children.

Our oldest, Ryan, is gay.  His dream is to have a family and to stay right here in Vermont.  He works at the general store and is a volunteer firefighter.  But he - and our family - recognizes that he is treated differently than the rest of us.  The civil union law was a good step, but it frankly does not go far enough.  We want him to have the same legal rights and protections that his brother and sister will enjoy when they decide to marry.

We also recognize that things have changed over the past eight years and now same-sex couples can marry in other states.  Only when my son is able to marry will he be recognized as fully equal.  To deny him this right benefits no one, but it certainly hurts - it hurts Ryan, Scott, Jennifer, Jason and me.  We love Ryan.  We want him to be treated with the dignity and respect he deserves.

I went to the hearing in Lyndonville last year.  Nearly all of the individuals who spoke spoke in support of marriage rights for same-sex couples.  This is just not a divisive issue any more and Vermonters support it.

When the marrige equality bill is passed and placed on your desk, I hope you think of Ryan and other gay or lesbian Vermonters.  I urge you to think of famillies like ours and find it in your heart to support equality.

Sincerely,

Edna Harris

Danville, VT