If we stand silent at this critical time, we could see discriminatory legislation forever enshrining discrimination against same-sex couples in our State Constitution.

Just this week, opponents of equality used a similar amendment to take health benefits away from domestic partners of state employees in Michigan, because the language of the amendment says the union between a man and woman is the only agreement recognized as a marriage "or similar union for any purpose."

Make sure your voice is counted for equality. Let the General Assembly know that you want to see them support the rights of same-sex couples, and roundly defeat this discriminatory amendment. The time to speak is now.