Breaking News: Marriage Amendment Defeated

This just in fromt he GLBT Center in Utah:

Massive campaign by right wing fails to move single senator, GLBT community’s phone calls and letters made a difference.

By a vote of 49 to 48, the U.S. Senate today rejected an effort to end debate and proceed to a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage federally and for every state as only between a man and a woman. Sixty votes were required to proceed, and 67 votes would have been required on a vote on the merits. Two years ago, a similar amendment failed at the same stage by a vote of 48 to 50. No senator who voted against a similar cloture motion in 2004 changed his or her vote today. (The other tally difference is explained being due to new senators elected in 2004 and other absences.) While Republicans gained four seats in 2004, the number of pro-amendment votes went up by only one today.
For further information, visit our partner, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

BUT IT’S NOT OVER!

Despite today’s victory, the fight is now moved to the House of Representatives. Early reports indicate that House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) is planning a July vote for the weakened amendment. Contact your House Rep by using this link and let her/him know you are a constituent who opposes using the Constitution to discriminate against any American, including GLBT Americans who are categorically denied rights to begin with. Come out to your Rep, tell your story, talk about your family — let them know GLBT people not only live in their district
but help to make their district thrive.

You helped make today’s victory happen. To help ensure
future victories, we need you to stay active, vocal and to support
our efforts as a volunteer or by making a donation.

The Center • 361 North 300 West • Salt Lake City, UT 84103 • 801.539.8800 • http://www.glbtccu.org
Our mission is to be a catalyst for personal growth, acceptance, and equality for GLBT people in Utah.