Monday, October 5, 2009

Leonard Matlovich Memorial - National Equality March

Breaking: President to speak at HRC Annual Dinner held during the National Equality March weekend

This great news courtesy of PHB

High Price of Being a Gay Couple Mostly an Effect of DOMA

Courtesy of PHB

Group Rescues Gay Men Targeted In Iraq

Audio for this story from Talk of the Nation will be available at approx. 6:00 p.m. ET

Read Matt McAllester's article, "The Hunted"

October 5, 2009

Reports of death squads and torture of gay men in Iraq have been on the rise. In an article for New York Magazine, Matthew McAllester describes the wave of attacks against gays in Iraq, and how a few New Yorkers have built an underground railroad to rescue them.


From the Office of Congresswoman Matsui

From: Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 7:53 AM

To: Orey, Daniel C
Subject: From the Office of Congresswoman Matsui

October 5, 2009


Dear Daniel:


Thank you for contacting me regarding the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this important civil rights issue.


As you know, the Respect for Marriage Act, H.R. 3567, repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to ensure that valid same-sex marriages are respected under federal law. Specifically, H.R. 3567 repeals Section 2 of DOMA to restore the ability of the states to determine whether to recognize a marriage for purposes of their law. Additionally, the legislation affords legally married same-sex couples the benefits of marriage under federal law by repealing Section 3 of DOMA. I am an original co-sponsor of this important piece of legislation because now, more than ever, we must promote and encourage equality while also working to end discrimination.


The opportunity to marry and create a family is something sacred to every American, deserving of the utmost respect. As a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I have continuously supported efforts that seek to promote civil rights and encourage equality, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to repeal DOMA. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should this legislation reach the floor of the House for a vote.



Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me with your views on DOMA. To learn more about my work in Congress, or to sign up for periodic e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/matsui.



Sincerely,
[http://www.matsui.house.gov/images/stories/signature.gif]
DORIS O. MATSUI
Member of Congress


Note: Please do not respond directly to this e-mail. To serve my constituents most effectively, I have dedicated a portion of my website to constituent e-mails. To write me, please visit http://matsui.house.gov/email.asp.