I recently wrote to my Senator (Kay Bailey Hutchison, a Republican) regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment (S.J. Res 30, recently shot down through a procedural endeavor by the Democrats and some thankfully moderate Republicans).  I of course wrote to her voicing my staunch opposition to any attempt to ingrain discrimination into the US Constitution.  Apparently she thinks that's actually a good idea.

I'm posting the canned response I received because, not only is it canned, it clearly indicates that dear Kay believes in discrimination, believes it should be ingrained in the Constitution, and believes the lies the Republicans are telling about trying to save marriage and the traditional family by taking rights away from a minority (perhaps she should consider outlawing divorce if she's so interested in saving marriage).

Perhaps, as a woman, Kay has forgotten what it feels like to be a minority with rights taken away from you by government after government.

So, read her response.  It will help you realize how shallow, small-minded, bigoted, discriminatory and hateful she really is.  Oh, and it also shows how she quickly and easily changes her mind regarding federal interference in a state matter.

Dear Mr. so-and-so:

Thank you for contacting me regarding same-sex marriages.  I welcome your thoughts and comments on this issue.

Marriage laws have historically been the responsibility of state governments, and I generally oppose federal government intrusion into matters of state authority.  Periodically, however, one state's action can have serious and far-reaching implications for other states, particularly because our Constitution requires states to give full faith and credit to the laws of other states.

In 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defined marriage as only between a man and a woman.  I voted for this federal law, and I continue to support it today because I believe the traditional family unit should remain the foundation of our society.  The recent decision by a narrow majority of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court mandating same-sex marriage threatens to overturn DOMA nationwide and effectively make that single state's marriage policy the law of our entire country.

In response, Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) has introduced S.J. Res. 30, the Federal Marriage Amendment, of which I am a co-sponsor.  This bill would amend the Constitution to define marriage in the United States as consisting only of the union of a man and a woman.  Currently, S.J. Res. 30 is under review by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.  When this legislation comes before the full Senate for a vote, I intend to support its passage.

I appreciate hearing from you and hope you will not hesitate to keep in touch on any issue of concern to you.

Sincerely,

Kay Bailey Hutchison

KBH:cfh