On March 29, the legislature will consider a constitutional amendment that would discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them the right to marry. On behalf of the Progressive Democrats of Cambridge, we urge Senate President Travaglini to oppose writing discrimination into the Massachusetts Constitution.
If the amendment passes, it would represent the first time in history that our constitution has been amended to take away rights. It would permanently confine same-sex couples to "separate and unequal" civil unions, which provide only a small percentage of the protections, benefits and responsibilities of civil marriage.
Senate President Travaglini, whose district includes a third of Cambridge, is generally a strong champion of Democratic values and policies. The Massachusetts Democratic Party platform unambiguously opposes a constitutional ban on gay marriage, a reflection of the party's historic support for human rights. We ask Senate President Travaglini to remain faithful to his party's values and proud legacy.
ERIC WELTMAN
Inman Street
(This letter was also signed by Victoria Steinberg, the Rev. Lesley R. Phillips, Marie Ariel, Charles and Susan Knight, and Jesse Gordon.)
