Call your senators today and tell them to vote NO on the same-sex marriage ban

The Human Rights Campaign has declared today National Call-In Day and is asking fair-minded Americans to urge their senators to oppose a federal ban on same-sex marriage.

Senate debate starts today on the proposal that would mark the first time discrimination has been amended into the Constitution. The proposed amendment also includes a vaguely worded section that would ban civil unions, domestic partnerships and could even effect unmarried heterosexual couples.

Although the proposal is not expected to pass, it is important to contact your senators and show the level of opposition to the amendment. I would suggest even contacting senators you know are voting yes. Even the most hostile Senate offices keep track of voter sentiment.

To call the Senate, punch in (202) 224 – 3121 and ask to leave a message on your Senators’ voice mail.

HRC suggests that you could leave one of the following messages.

• I am calling to urge you to vote no on the Federal Marriage Amendment.
• Throughout American history, the Constitution has been amended to expand and protect the rights and liberties of the American people - it should not be used to single out some Americans for discrimination.
• The Federal Marriage Amendment would single out GLBT Americans for separate and unequal treatment in the U.S. Constitution, the very document that is supposed to guarantee Americans' equality.
• Do not write discrimination into the Constitution; vote NO onthe Federal Marriage Amendment.

For more information from HRC, check here.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has information on the issue here.

For my take on this proposal check here.

For a religious perspective on the marriage ban, see here.

For what it feels like to be a lesbian who is continually under attack, see here.