Dear Friends of Marriage,

Late Wednesday night, the Senate went on record on marriage, rejecting an amendment introduced by Utah Senator Bob Bennett and refusing to block same-sex marriage in our nation's capital by a vote of 59-36.

All but two of the 38 Republican senators present voted for the Bennett amendment, while all 57 Democrats voted to block the measure (as they did every amendment to the health care reconciliation bill proposed last night).  The amendment would have suspended the DC same-sex marriage law pending a referendum allowing DC voters to resolve the question.

Ironically, the only two Republicans to join with the Democrats in opposing the amendment were Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, where just six months ago voters used the referendum process to reject a same-sex marriage bill passed by the Maine legislature.

Fifty-nine U.S. Senators are now on record allowing same-sex marriage in our nation's capital and refusing to protect the Charter rights of District residents.

Although disappointing, this outcome was not unexpected, and we are grateful for the hard work of Senator Bob Bennett of Utah, and of the Senate GOP leadership, in gaining the floor vote and putting the entire Senate on record on marriage. We're optimistic that the Supreme Court will ultimately vindicate the rights of DC residents to vote on an initiative on same-sex marriage, but today it's important that our voices continue to be heard in Washington.

Let your senators know you're watching their vote! Send your message today!

We've set up an online action center that will allow you to send letters to your senators based on their vote. Those who voted to protect marriage in the District will receive a thank-you letter urging them to stand strong, while those who refused to protect marriage will be reminded that you care about marriage and will remember their vote on this amendment.

We've drafted sample messages that you can customize and send. It only takes 5 minutes to let your senators know this issue is important to their constituents. Click here to send your message right now.

Thank you for all you do to protect marriage. Please forward this message to friends and family who can join us in making an impact in Washington. 

Faithfully, 

Brian S. Brown
Executive Director
National Organization for Marriage
20 Nassau Street, Suite 242
Princeton, NJ 08542
[email protected]

P.S.: Your generosity allows us to keep up the fight for marriage all across the country. Please click here to make a secure online contribution today!