Write a "Letter to the Editor"

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper to demonstrate support for civil marriage rights for same-sex couples.

We know community members turn to the opinion page of their local paper to learn more about issues that concern their neighbors. Writing a letter to the editor is powerful way to educate your community about equal marriage and a great way to make a meaningful contribution in support of the fair and equal treatment of same-sex couples in Vermont.

Tips:

  • Keep it simple. In 200 words or less, share with readers why you support the freedom for same-sex couples to civilly marry.
  • Reference the newspaper article you're responding to. If you're responding to an article or a previously printed letter, be sure to include this information in your letter. For example: "I am writing in response to the article published on January 15 called  "Marriage for All."
  • Submit to weekly papers.  You're more likely to have your letter printed in a smaller local paper that your neighbors read. Although we encourage you to submit your letter to The Rutland Herald, The Burlington Free Press, etc., don't discount the smaller weeklies.
  • Personalize it.Our supporters offer diverse perspectives on the reasons to support the fair and equal treatment of GLBT Vermonters. Whether you support equal marriage for personal reasons, as a matter of social justice, or both, your opinion matters.
  • Be sure to include: Your first and last name, town, phone number, and email. It's common practice for the editor (or someone from the paper) to contact you to confirm your information and to let you know your letter will be published. They will NOT include your contact information in the paper other than your full name and town.

Send a message of equality!

Below are some speaking points to include in your letter:

  • It is always the right time to ensure that our fellow Vermonters and families are secure and protected. Of all the challenges and injustices we have to deal with in the legislature, this is one of the easiest. With a simple vote, and without spending a penny, we can make a huge difference in the lives of many Vermont families.
  • It's a red herring to say that the legislature can deal with only one issue at a time. Every year the legislature passes several bills that focuse on issues that matter to Vermonters. Civil rights is important to Vermonters and it's time for the legislature to lead once again on this issue.
  • The Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection worked hard last year to take testimony from hundreds of Vermonters. The Commission prepared a detailed and comprehensive report to serve as a launching pad for the legislature. Much of the heavy lifting is done. The legislature can build on this foundation to efficiently address this issue and more importantly, to ensure that all Vermonters are treated equally.
  • On Election Day 2008, California voters revoked the equal rights from some of its citizens, harming families and protecting no one. It's been eight years since Vermont took the first step to legally recognize same-sex couples. Now, it's clear, that Vermont must reclaim its leadership role on this civil rights issue. We should eliminate discrimination in our marriage laws and we should recognize ALL Vermonters as fully equal. 
  • Hundreds of Vermonters turned out at the public hearings on marriage that were held across the state. Support for equal marriage rights outweighed the opposition 20 to 1. Vermonters clearly believe it's time to take off the training wheels and to move forward to full civil marriage rights for same-sex couples.
  • When the public hearings were held throughout the state, hundreds of Vermonters turned out in support of equal marriage rights.  The conversation was noticeably different from what occurred in 2000. This just isn't a divisive issue any more. Vermonters have learned a lot about our gay, lesbian and bisexual neighbors. It's time for us to treat everyone equal.
  • Vermont can no longer claim its leadership role on gay and lesbian civil rights as California and Massachusetts have moved ahead, providing full marriage rights to same-sex couples. We can and should do better. Vermonters value equality and it's time for us to demonstrate this in our marriage laws. It's time for Vermont to catch up to these other states.
  • Only civil marriage provides all the legal rights for families to protect those they love and care for, including social security survivor benefits, inheritance tax protections, and many more important protections and responsibilities. Civil unions fall short, leaving many Vermonters vulnerable.
  • We don't need different lines at the town clerk's office to separate heterosexual Vermonters from their gay and lesbian counterparts. That's not the Vermont way. Vermont has always been a proud leader on civil rights issues and it should proudly move forward to the fair and equal treatment of GLBT Vermonters.
  • Most Vermonters support the freedom to marry. We have marriage equality to the south of us in Massachusetts, to the north of us in Canada and in California. It's time for Vermont to protect ALL Vermonters.
  • Freedom of religion is a constitutionally-protected right. Therefore, no religious institution or clergy person would have to perform the marriage of a same-sex couple if that would go against their faith tradition. By the same token, a religious institution or clergy person that does recognize same-sex marriage will be protected from the intrusion of another religion's doctrine.
  • Many clergy in Vermont support the freedom for same-sex couples to civilly marry. Treating all humans fairly and equally is a fundamental principle of social justice that many people of faith commit to in their religious and spiritual practice.
  • No newly-created law such as civil unions will ever replace the deep social meaning and significant legal rights associated with marriage. Providing civil unions to same-sex couples in Vermont was an important step forward, but they cannot replace the whole host of protections and meaning of marriage. Only marriage is marriage.
  • Civil marriage is important to our families, our communities, and to our society. The term "marriage" is more than "just a word." It's an incredibly important word. It is itself a valuable protection. Many gay and lesbian Vermonters have a deep respect for the institution of civil marriage and want to be a part of that legal institution.
  • Laws that separate people on the basis of sexual orientation violate everybody's civil rights—whether or not we want to get married, and whether we're gay or straight. All citizens deserve to be treated fairly and equally.
  • The sky didn't fall with civil unions and it won't fall with civil marriage. It's time to move Vermont forward.

Where to send your letter to the editor:

Many newspapers prefer letters to be submitted by filling out an on line submission form. Other newspapers prefer letters to be submitted via email. Below are links to the most appropriate way to submit your letter to the editor.

© Vermont Freedom to Marry

Mailing Address: VMAC, PO Box 879, Burlington, VT 05402-0879 | Location: 34 Elmwood Ave, Burlington [directions/map]

Phone: 802.388-2633 | Email: info@vtfreetomarry.org

This web site is a shared website of the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, and the Vermont Freedom to Marry Action Committee. Learn more about the distinction between these two organizations.