[Sent via email on 6.14.11 at 10 pm ET]
Dear Sen. Saland,
I am a resident of Columbia County and a supporter of Same Sex Marriage in New York State. I'm writing to urge you to join 31 of your fellow Senators in support of the Marriage Equality Bill.
Sir, I know that you did not support this measure when it was put to a vote in 2009. Because of your position I struggled long and hard with my decision on who to vote for in the 2010 41st District election. I debated and wrestled with that vote more than any other one on the ballot. In the end, I voted to re-elect you over your challenger. I did so because I respect your experience and your dedication to your family and your community. I know that you care deeply about the people of your district and the voters of this State. That is why I think it's time for you to reconsider your vote for Marriage Equality in New York.
As straight New Yorkers, you and I have access to hundreds of rights that our gay friends and family do not have. When two gay New Yorkers love one another, they do not have the option to get married and realize the legal protections that you and I have in our families. They can celebrate their love and commitment to one another, they can live together for decades, raise children together, yet they are denied the equal status of marriage that you and I take for granted. Gay New Yorkers are relegated to second class citizenship, a separate and unequal status that in my opinion is both unfair and immoral. This is the civil rights issue of out time sir. New York must stand up and count itself as one of the few states in the nation willing to put equality before prejudice and fear.
Same Sex Marriage will do no harm to my marriage or yours. It will not weaken communities, in fact it will strengthen them. It will be a signal to all gay Americans that New York is a state where they are welcome to put down roots, start a business and raise a family.
I want to live in a state that is open, honest and fair to all its citizens. And based on what I know of you and your record, I think that you want the same thing. Deep down inside I think that you know that voting YES for this bill is right and just. It fits with the spirit of New York State and our place in this county as a leader and trailblazer. I urge you to vote YES for Marriage Equality in New York.
Respectfully yours,
FAU [Full name and address provided]
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