May 6th, Edition 

Friends,

This Wednesday is the opening of the 2006 Constitutional Convention!  I fear that at this time, we still do not have the votes that we need to kill the hurtful petition that will take away marriage protections. The latest update from MassEquality states that the petition will (most likely) not be addressed right away (possibly not until July!), but still, we are asked to show signs of support at the statehouse this Wednesday. I've already taken the day off to be there, though just a couple hours are being asked. I hope that as many of my friends can make it there too, even for just a short time. Our opposition has already organized a gathering. 

The reason for the delay is that GLAD's argument to the State Supreme Court, challenging that this petition should have never been approved, was heard this past Thursday and the legislature rarely take action on anything pending in the courts.

As nerve-racking as this is, the fact that there is a delay, is a very good thing... this gives us time to determine which legislators are worth focusing on with the extra time we have been given.  The legislators that will not reason with us, are not worth our time.  We need to look to for those last few legislators that could potentially vote in our favor with some more convincing.  Three of those legislators are right here in my town of Quincy. In order of importance: Senator Michael Morrissey, Representative Bruce Ayers, and Representative Stephen Tobin.  I will try to get a more complete list for focus from our contacts at MassEquality..  

The points that these legislators are often missing are that the petition process itself is intended to get a proposal considered; it is still up to the legislature to review what is being requested and determine if it is for the good of the State. This petition was nationally funded and marketed through deception and pressure from religious institutions. 

I need my friends to contact the offices above (Via written letter and/or phone calls - THEY DO NOT READ EMAIL) and tell them of the lies that are being spread in order to move this petition forward.  That we need our legislature to protect the people and end this attack NOW, there is just no telling how destructive this debate could get if allowed to continue for another 2 years.

ALSO, PLEASE KEEP THE LETTERS TO EDITORS COMING!   If it has been 30 days since your last letter, please send in another... Letters form our opposition keep getting the spotlight.

Your Friend, 

Jerry
 

ACTION ITEMS!...  Its not too late!

JERRY'S ACTION / PROPOSAL #1
In the cases where friends do not have the time, I (we) WILL WRITE EDITORIALS FOR YOU.  I'll work with other friends that are still available for authoring and editing assistance. All you will need to do is edit at will and submit to your local papers.  The Patriot Ledger in particular is in need of attention as it is the paper that speaks directly to the legislators that need attention. 

 
  
JERRY'S ACTION / PROPOSAL #2
I have tried to spread the message from MassEquality that we need to mail written letters to our legislators asking to meet.  Unlike the editorial request, this is not something that I am able to track for progress, other than the one or two email that I have received from friends telling me that they have done so... So now, with your help, I propose that we STEP IT UP A NOTCH BY MAILING PHOTOS OF THOSE IN SUPPORT OF CIVIL MARRIAGE EQUALITY.  
  

OPERATION PHOTO-DROP! Submit your photos and messages to legislators ASAP
Friends, Spread the message to your family, friends and other contacts...  Submit your photo with a message to your legislators and Jerry will print oversized copies and deliver them  to the state house for you!  Since many of our senators and representatives are rejecting requests to meet; it is important that they see the faces of constituents who oppose the attempt to amend discrimination into our state constitution.   REMEMBER: In order to get your message directly to the correct contacts you will need to provide your name and address (phone number option)	Same-sex couples, heterosexual couples, single GLBTs, single straights, WE CAN ALL MAKE A MEMORABLE IMPACT.    Simple messages can be printed on the front.  Full letters can be printed on the back.   Send your Photo and message.  Jerry will print oversized copies and deliver to your legislators.
CLICK HERE to email Photos to Jerry Ringuette

Editorial Watch:

The table below will track all negative editorial letters in need of response.  We should try to gain 2 editorials in our favor for every 1 against. Local Media Write to the media closest to you Recent Opposition in need of your Response   Recent Support of Equality   State-Wide & Boston Boston Globe: Send Editorial   Make room for 'bias' in adoption Same-sex rights and bedtime rites NEW: Lexington and discord Re: the bedroom, it's none of your concern Citizenship policies and same-sex partners   State-Wide & Boston The Boston Herald: Send Editorial     South Shore MA The Patriot Ledger:  Send Editorial   NEW: Contact lawmakers on marriage proposal Quincy church banner an ‘in-your-face’ disgrace Church banner insulting Let the people vote on marriage amendment Pro-gay marriage crowd shows its hypocrisy Another attack on the Catholic Church READER’S VIEW: Catholic Charities READER'S VIEW: Gay rights winning at expense of children’s rights   Church banner Anti-gay forces trying to desecrate our Constitution Religion in America Catholic hierarchy to blame in adoption issue Civil rights have grown since John Adams’ time (thanks ED!)   Brockton/Taunton Area  The Enterprise: Send Editorial       Plymouth Area Old Colonial Memorial: Send an Editorial       Attleboro Area The Sun Chronicle:  Send an Editorial        Fall River Area The Herald News:  Send an Editorial        Taunton Area Taunton Gazette:  Send an Editorial       Carver Area MA Carver Reporter  Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Areas The Sentinel Wareham Area Wareham Courier Send Editorials for above media to Editor: Tamson Burgess       Duxbury Reporter, Halifax Reporter, Marshfield Reporter, Pembroke Reporter  Send to Editor Scott Smith       Kingston Reporter  Send to Editor: Charles Mathewson Kingston Area MA

P-L-E-A-S-E! Sign up and participate!  In the next two weeks, we have four opportunities to protect equal marriage rights. Join us this Sunday as we collect postcards to be delivered to legislators, or gather more information at an organizing meeting in Hingham organizing meeting or a forum in Quincy. Then sharpen your communication skills and become a better advocate for marriage at our March 30th media workshop.    Sign up for the following events today. For more information, contact Amy Mello at AmyMello@MassEquality.org or 617-878-2307.

With less than 2 WEEKS remaining, we still do not have the legislative support to defeat the marriage petition. We MUST try to prevent this measure from going to vote.  Polls show a sight majority of residents in support of equality.  Unfortunately, the demographic that supports us the most is also the least likely to get out and vote.