Freedom to Marry is the most prominent marriage equality organization in the United States. Evan Wolfson, its founder and Executive Director, is a former senior staff attorney at Lambda Legal Defense where he headed the Marriage Project. Today, Freedom to Marry launched this petition drive. Please sign the petition and join Josh and Henry's Facebook page, "Save Our Marriage."
THIS IS MY PERSONALIZED PETITION LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT:
ReplyDeleteHonorable President Obama,
I am writing to urge you to help married couples like Henry Velandia and Josh Vandiver stay in the U.S. by fulfilling your pledge to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA.)
Henry and Josh are fighting to save their marriage. Henry – who was born in Venezuela and moved to the U.S. in 2002 – may soon face deportation.
Henry and Josh are now considering leaving the U.S. to keep their family together, and they’re not alone. I for one left the US in 2005 for the same reason. I am now forced to live in Mexico which has significantly affected my livelihood, not to mention other quality of life issues that are affecting everyone in Mexico at the present time.
Each day, DOMA tears apart thousands of bi-national families or forces US nationals to leave their country. DOMA excludes legally married same-sex couples from the more than a thousand federal responsibilities and protections of marriage, including Social Security survivor benefits, fair treatment by the IRS, and the ability to sponsor a spouse for a visa or citizenship.
During your campaign, you said:
“I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) – a position I have held since before arriving in the U.S. Senate. While some say we should repeal only part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does.”
Please fulfill your campaign promise, Mr. President, and bring an to end this discriminatory policy, which is harming American families and forcing families like my own into exile.
Finally, Mr. President, I truly believe it is time for Executive Orders. It seems to me that Bush and Cheney significantly widen the spectrum of executive power and it is time you take advantage of it. Clearly the Democratic Congress has not helped you accomplish your campaign promises and with a likely Republican House it will be even worst.
I can assure you out here at the grassroots level, nothing has changed. Immigration courts, embassies and consulates are pursuing the Bush policies with the same vehemence as before.
Sincerely,
Marisara