From:
Robin Tyler, Executive Director
www.dontamend.com

(The Equality Campaign)                                                                    

Notes from "The Front" - in the war against bigotry

If you go to the DontAmend.com website we are beginning to list the many actions that are happening in May.  As you know, Massachusetts must begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples May 17, which is also the anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education.  However, the Governor of Massachusetts has restricted it to Massachusetts residents only.  He uses a 1913 archaic law that was meant to prevent interracial marriages from other states. 

There are many actions and rallies and protests happening in May, especially the weekend before and on May 17.  Go to dontamend.com/may2004

to see what is coming up in May.  If we have not listed your city yet (we are just beginning to list what is happening), let us know.  This is an historic day in the history of our movement, and we need to show our support of Massachusetts, and our outrage not just against the attempt at a Federal Constitutional Amendment, but also, the States attempting amendments as well!

The post office protests against unfair taxation of Gay Couples took place in 38 cities and were very successful!  They received a lot of press, and educated the public as to how unfair the tax system is to LGBT couples.  Thanks to the many of you who organized and participated. There are pictures and press stories of the April 15 protests on our website www.dontamend.com


Now, here is a list of the Senators who support, are thinking about supporting, or do not support the Federal Marriage Amendment...

Take Action!

Contact your senators and encourage those of them who support a constitutional amendment (the Federal Marriage Amendment) which limits marriage to a man and a woman, to NOT SUPPORT this amendment.  Please pass this on to everyone you know who believes in not using the constitution to promote bigotry.  This is not just about same-sex marriage, but about destroying the check and balance system between the courts and the politicians.  It is not about 'radical judges' but about stopping the 'radical right.' 

-Robin Tyler,
DontAmend.com


Alabama

Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-4124
He supports Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL)
(202) 224-5744
He supports Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Alaska

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
(202) 224-6665
The Alaska Constitution already defines marriage between one man and one woman. As a result, she believes that Alaska would not benefit from the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK)
(202) 224-3004
He has not released an official position.

Arizona

Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-4521
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
(202) 224-2235
He has not taken an official position, but he believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Arkansas

Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)
(202) 224-4843
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR)
(202) 224-2353
He currently opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment, but he has also stated that he might support it if “the need for a constitutional amendment should be clearly and convincingly demonstrated.”

California

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
(202) 224-3553
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-3841
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Colorado

Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO)
(202) 224-5941
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO)
(202) 224-5852
Though he has not taken an official position on this issue, he has expressed some reluctance to provide support for this amendment.

Connecticut

Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT)
(202) 224-2823
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT)
(202) 224-4041
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Delaware

Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-5042
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Thomas Carper (D-DE)
(202) 224-2441
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Florida

Senator Bob Graham (D-FL)
(202) 224-3041
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
202) 224-5274
He has not taken an official position.

Georgia

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-3521
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Zell Miller (D-GA)
(202) 224-3643
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Hawaii

Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
(202) 224-6361
His office refused to offer a statement.

Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI)
(202) 224-3934
He is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Idaho

Senator Larry Craig (R-ID)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-2752
He has not taken an official position.

Senator Michael Crapo (R-ID)
(202) 224-6142
His staff stated that he would like to see the issue resolved at the state level, but he would potentially support a marriage amendment if necessary.

Illinois

Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-2152
He opposes a constitutional amendment unless an “adequate case” can be made.

Senator Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL)
(202) 224-2854
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Indiana

Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)
(202) 224-5623
He has not taken an official position.

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)
(202) 224-4814
He has not taken an official position.

Iowa

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-3744
He would support the Federal Marriage Amendment if necessary.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
(202) 224-3254
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Kansas

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)
(202) 224-6521
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)
(202) 224-4774
He expressed tentative support for the Federal Marriage Amendment

Kentucky

Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY)
(202) 224-4343
He supports a constitutional amendment, but he would like stronger language which would also prohibit civil unions.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
(202) 224-2541
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Louisiana

Senator John Breaux (D-LA)
(202) 224-4623
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
(202) 224-5824
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Maine

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
(202) 224-2523
She believes the Federal Marriage Amendment is premature while the Defense of Marriage Act is in effect.

Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
(202) 224-5344
She believes the Federal Marriage Amendment is premature while the Defense of Marriage Act is in effect.

Maryland

Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
(202) 224-4654
She is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD)
(202) 224-4524
He has not taken an official position on the issue.

Massachusetts

Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-4543
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
(202) 224-2742
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Michigan

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)
(202) 224-6221
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
(202) 224-4822
She has not taken an official position.

Minnesota

Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN)
(202) 224-5641
He would support a constitutional marriage amendment but has not publicly endorsed the current proposals.

Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN)
(202) 224-3244
He is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Mississippi

Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS)
(202) 224-5054
He would support a marriage amendment, but he wants the language to approve of civil unions.

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)
(202) 224-6253
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Missouri

Senator Christopher Bond (R-MO)
(202) 224-5721
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator James Talent (R-MO)
(202) 224-6154
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Montana

Senator Max Baucus (D-MT)
(202) 224-2651
He has stated that his support is unlikely.

Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT)
(202) 224-2644
Senator Burns claims a 90% likelihood of support.

Nebraska

Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
(202) 224-4224
His office was still taking comments and suggestions and seemed to indicate that he had not developed an official position. However, when asked by MSNBC’s Chris Matthews if he would support the Federal Marriage Amendment, he replied, “No. I think the Constitution of the United States is not for those reasons.”

Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE)
(202) 224-6551
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment, claiming that a marriage amendment would infringe on states’ rights.

Nevada

Senator John Ensign (R-NV)
(202) 224-6244
He is on the fence — “duly considering” the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV)
(202) 224-3542
He stated that the Federal Marriage Amendment is “neither appropriate nor necessary.”

New Hampshire

Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH)
(202) 224-3324
He has not developed an official position.

Senator John Sununu (R-NH)
(202) 224-2841
He is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

New Jersey

Senator John Corzine (D-NJ)
(202) 224-4744
He is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
(202) 224-3224
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment, and supports a state’s right to allow same-sex marriage.

New Mexico

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
(202) 224-5521
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM)
(202) 224-6621
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

New York

Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-6542
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
(202) 224-4451
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

North Carolina

Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)
(202) 224-6342
She supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator John Edwards (D-NC)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-3154
He is opposed to the Federal Marriage Amendment.

North Dakota

Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND)
(202) 224-2043
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
(202) 224-2551
He supports the existing laws (DOMA), but he would be reluctant to support the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Ohio

Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-2315
He has not developed an official position.

Senator George Voinovich (R-OH)
(202) 224-3353
He has not developed an official position.

Oklahoma

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)
(202) 224-4721
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Don Nickles (R-OK)
(202) 224-5754
He has not developed an official position.

Oregon

Senator Gordon Smith (D-OR)
(202) 224-3753
He has stated that he would support the Federal Marriage Amendment if it allowed for civil unions.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
(202) 224-5244
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Pennsylvania

Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)
(202) 224-6324
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-4254
He has not developed an official position.

Rhode Island

Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI)
(202) 224-2921
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
(202) 224-4642
He has not developed an official position.

South Carolina

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-5972
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Ernest Hollings (D-SC)
(202) 224-6121
He has not developed an official position.

South Dakota

Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD)
(202) 224-2321
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD)
(202) 224-5842
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment, but he claims to support traditional marriage.

Tennessee

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
(202) 224-4944
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Bill Frist (R-TN)
(202) 224-3344
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Texas

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-2934
He supports a constitutional amendment to protect marriage.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
(202) 224-5922
She supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Utah

Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT)
(202) 224-5444
He stated that he would only support a constitutional amendment as a last resort.

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman
(202) 224-5251
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Vermont

Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT)
(202) 224-5141
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member
(202) 224-4242
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Virginia

Senator George Allen (R-VA)
(202) 224-4024
He would support a constitutional amendment as a last resort to defend marriage.

Senator John Warner (R-VA)
(202) 224-2023
He has not developed an official position.

Washington

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
(202) 224-3441
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
(202) 224-2621
She opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment and vocally supports same-sex “marriages.”

West Virginia

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV)
(202) 224-3954
He has not developed an official position.

Senator John Rockefeller IV (D-WV)
(202) 224-6472
He has not developed an official position, but he would not rule out the possibility of supporting the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Wisconsin

Senator Russell Feingold (D-WI)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-5323
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.


Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI)
Senate Judiciary Committee Member
(202) 224-5653
He opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment.

Wyoming

Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY)
(202) 224-3424
He supports the Federal Marriage Amendment.
Co-sponsor of SJ 30

Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY)
(202) 224-6441
He has not developed an official position.