Open Letter to Quincy Lawmakers

From The Quincy Human Rights Commission

QUINCY, Massachusetts – May 1, 2007

As state lawmakers consider a second legislative vote on same-sex marriage, The Quincy Human Rights Commission respectfully calls on area lawmakers Senator Michael Morrissey and Representatives Bruce Ayers, Stephen Tobin and Ronald Mariano to vote against any measure that would put fundamental human rights up for a popular vote.

Our Commission has invested much time and dialog with representatives from both sides of the debate. We've held city meetings on the issue and reflected on countless hours of testimony. We've heard from same-sex couples, some married and some hoping to marry. We've listened to clergy who vehemently oppose same-sex marriage. We've seen the passion on both sides of the debate and continue to respect all points of view. 

Through it all, we are unanimous in our belief that tolerance must begin where agreement ends. Our experience with the issue suggests that intolerance for same-sex marriage stems primarily from the religious belief that homosexual relationships are immoral. It is primarily for this reason that we are asking area lawmakers to reject the petition.

There should always be freedom to exercise religion, but equally as important is the freedom from the establishment of religion. This is where our Commission feels the proposed amendment violates civil liberties and becomes destructive.

No constitution has ever been amended to take away existing rights.  Our Constitution was created to protect everyone – and it should not be changed to discriminate against anyone. Massachusetts could soon hold a public vote on the right of same-sex couples to marry. For the first time in our history, we would be allowing one group of people to vote to restrict the civil rights of another group of people. We respectfully and graciously implore you all to formally reject the same-sex marriage petition.

"The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error." (William Jennings Bryan).

Ed Grogan

Chairperson of The Quincy Human Rights Commission

BACKGROUNDER

The Quincy Human Rights Commission bears the following duties:

To uphold and secure the mandates, rights and privileges of its policy, Quincy Human Rights Commission shall be guided by the functions, duties and powers

To enlist the cooperation of racial, religious, ethnic, civic, fraternal, benevolent, private and public agencies in eliminating unlawful discrimination by cultivating an atmosphere of mutual understanding and harmonious inter-group relationships

To initiate investigations into the existence of unlawful discrimination or harassment which may deny or tend to deny equal access to or opportunities in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, services and facilities to any person or group

To offer a hearing to any person or group with a human rights grievance; and to investigate any such grievance that has merit.