On March 23rd, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., delivered powerful testimony
against a discriminatory change to the Constitution, said the Human
Rights Campaign. In testifying before the full Senate Judiciary
Committee today, Rep. Lewis joined Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass.,
constitutional scholar Cass R. Sunstein and Phyllis Bossin, chair of the
Family Law Section of the American Bar Association in opposition to
changing the Constitution to be a tool for discrimination.
"I am opposed to any amendment that seeks to write discrimination into
the Constitution," said Rep. Lewis. "I believe amending the Constitution
on this issue is an irrational and radical step that seeks to undermine
the civil rights of our citizens."
"No matter how it's worded, it's wrong to change the Constitution to
discriminate against millions of Americans," said HRC President Cheryl
Jacques. "With years of experience fighting for the values of equality,
Congressman Lewis is an extraordinarily powerful voice against writing
discrimination into the Constitution."
Lewis went on to say that "restricting rights of certain individuals
would set a dangerous and historical precedent." Rep. Frank also spoke
eloquently about how the amendment would limit the ability of a state
and its citizens from making their own marriage policy.
There is broad opposition to this effort, including Republicans Bob Barr
and Alan Simpson, the NAACP, the Mexican American Legal Defense and
Educational Fund, the National Women's Law Center and the American Bar
Association.
"We thank Senators Feinstein, Durbin, Kennedy and Feingold – who also
spoke at today's hearing – for their unwavering opposition to changing
the Constitution on this issue," added Jacques.
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.