Senator Charles E. Schumer: Supporting Marriage Equality

I got this very considerate response from Senator Charles Schumer today regarding my request that he support the repeal of DOMA. Kudos Senator Schumer. KUDOS!

Original Message

From: Senator Schumer
Date: Wed, Jan 25, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Subject: A message from Senator Charles E. Schumer

Dear Mr. Adkins:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. I share your support because I believe that all Americans deserve equality before the law, and am an original co-sponsor of S.598, The Respect for Marriage Act of 2011.

After much thought and discussion and observation, it is my considered opinion that government should not prevent individuals who choose to be together from legally codifying their union in marriage. This includes preventing married couples from receiving benefits to which they are entitled. When New York began conferring marriage licenses to same-sex couples this summer, the federal government was not be able to give those married couples the same benefits that straight married couples receive. The Respect for Marriage Act of 2011 would finally extend benefits and recognition to all married couples. For example, the current law forces married same-sex couples to file taxes independently, which means that even though they’re married legally in their state the federal government hits them with a heaping tax burden every April 15. The Respect for Marriage Act would establish equality to those legally married in their states and prevent same-sex couples from paying a penalty because they are married. Our constitution is clear that all Americans are entitled to equal protection under the law. It is time that we made this promise a reality for all Americans who wish to marry.

Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can ever be of assistance to you on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

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I’m Tommy, a writer and storyteller who works in marketing for the arts and cultural communities. I’m the author of Mabel Stanley and the Town That Was Built All Wrong, a fun and heartfelt book, and I’m currently working on a novel about self-discovery and the complexities of memory. Writing is a big part of my life, but I also enjoy creating experiences that bring people together, which is why my husband, Matt, and I co-run the online store Have Fun Spread Joy. It’s all about embracing the playful side of life and giving back along the way. I’m married to Matt, and we share our home with our two pets, Zoey (the cat) and Dixie (the dog). When I’m not writing, working on our store, or doing marketing for the arts, I like to dive into theater, something I want to get more involved with over time. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and while it comes with its own set of challenges, it also gives me a unique perspective that I try to channel into everything I do. Whether it’s writing, working on creative projects, or finding ways to spread joy, I’m all about making a lasting impact in whatever I do.

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