It is important for supporters of traditional marriage to let our elected officials know where we stand regarding same-sex marriage.  It is also important that we let our elected officials know that civil unions are not a “compromise” solution, but are objectionable for many of the same reasons that same-sex marriage is objectionable. 

Visit the National Organization for Marriage's website and send a letter to your State Senator by clicking here.

Given that the New York State Assembly passed a same-sex marriage bill in 2007, the main focus of the legislative battle surrounding marriage is the New York State Senate.  To date, Senate leadership has firmly opposed same-sex marriage, despite intense pressure from advocates of homosexual behavior. 

Please write your state senator today and make your voice heard.  Text that can be used in crafting a sample letter is available below.  SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS NOT INEVITABLE.  YOUR VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

Click here to locate your state senator by zip code.

Click here to locate the full Senate directory.

Click here to locate your state assembly member by zip code.

Sending letters by US mail is the best way to contact your state legislators. The general mailing address for Senators is:

    Legislative Office Building

    Albany, NY 12247.

Please see the above-listed web sites to find your state legislators’ office addresses.

E-mail is also an option.  If you use e-mail, be sure to include your mailing address in the e-mail.  Please see the following full list of state senators’ e-mail addresses:

    Senator                        District         E-Mail Address

 *  Has sponsored or co-sponsored the proposed Defense of Marriage Act (S-2800/A-4978).

**  Has sponsored or co-sponsored same-sex marriage legislation (S-5994).

If your state senator sponsored or co-sponsored the proposed Defense of Marriage Act, please thank him or her and encourage him or her to oppose same-sex marriage or civil unions legislation.

If your state senator sponsored or co-sponsored same-sex marriage legislation, please strongly urge him or her to withdraw that support and change his or her position. 

 Please see the following language that may be used to write a letter to your state senator:

Dear Senator:

          I am writing to encourage you to defend the institution of marriage in New York State by voting against any bill that would legalize civil unions or same-sex marriage, including Senator Duane’s same-sex marriage bill (S-5994).

           The experiences of neighboring states demonstrate that the legalization of civil unions or same-sex marriage leads to negative results.  Those results include:

• A faith-based adoption provider closing its doors under pressure from the State of Massachusetts to place children with “married” same-sex adoptive parents;
• A faith-based organization being brought up on civil rights charges in New Jersey for refusing to allow a lesbian couple to use its beachfront property for a civil union ceremony; and
• Judges and justices of the peace in New Jersey being instructed that if they officiate at wedding ceremonies, they must also officiate at civil union ceremonies to avoid violating the state’s Law Against Discrimination.

           Also, states that have legalized civil unions are being subjected to continued pressure – whether through lobbying efforts or lawsuits – to legalize same-sex marriage.          

           Most importantly, civil unions and same-sex marriage encourage family structures that deprive children of either a mother or a father.  While many children in New York already grow up without a mother or without a father, our state government should not place its stamp of approval on such situations.  New York State should not allow the preferences of a few to lead us into a social experiment on children.

           Protection of the institution of marriage is of paramount importance to me and will have a major impact on my vote in 2008 legislative elections. 

          Thank you for your consideration.

                                                                    Respectfully,