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There's been a lot of consternation expressed over the statewide mailing from a Hawaiian group opposed to same-gender marriage. That a group from Ohio would spend $40,000 to try to influence Vermonters has ignited the indignation of all our fair-minded citizens - not just the gay community. The day after this letter appeared in our mailboxes, a magical phenomenon happened. The letter had apparently so incensed both Michael Obuchowski, the Speaker of the House, and Douglas Racine, the Lieutenant Governor, that they felt compelled to publicly declare their support for same-gender marriage.
These two courageous men didn't just talk to each other and their families about how they felt - they went on record on the front page of nearly every newspaper statewide. In doing so, they disregarded the impact their stance might have on their political careers, and they ignored the glut of abusive phone calls and letters they were sure to receive. In short, they showed true moral courage and leadership. Their support for same-gender marriage is an endorsement for equal rights for the entire gay community.
Other public officials who believe that all Vermonters should be entitled to equal protections, supports, and responsibilities regardless of their sexual orientation, but who have worried about taking a public stand before the Supreme Court makes a ruling, will watch to see how much public outcry there is over Racine and Obuchowski's endorsement of same-gender marriage. They'll be watching the newspapers, expecting to see both editorials and letters to the editor denouncing Racine and Obuchowski. And they'll be watching to see how much hate mail these two men receive.
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force recommends that to demonstrate your indignation over the Hawaii letter, publicly support both Racine and Obuchowski. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Send a personal note of approval or call Doug Racine and Michael Obuchowski. Get a group of your friends to sign a petition of support and send it to your local Representatives and Senators. Sign the Marriage Resolution available online or the Vermont Voices for Equality resolution (available through your regional chapter of VFMTF). Encourage others to show their support by writing letters. Show the people in Hawaii and Ohio that we don't need them to tell us how to think! Show the people of Vermont that they can expect support if they have the courage to endorse our right to marry!
Also, knowing the amount of money that our opposition appears to have at their disposal, make another donation to the Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force's education/information campaign.
