Make Equality a Federal Priority!

As the LGBT community in Iowa celebrates marriage equality, progress on a number of federal legislative initiatives would help protect Iowans and LGBT Americans alike. Ask President Obama and your legislators to pursue the following federal priorities: - Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) - Pass Inclusive Employment Non Discrimination Legislation (ENDA) - Pass Hate Crimes Protections

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Make Equality a Federal Priority!

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As the LGBT community in Iowa celebrates marriage equality, progress on a number of federal legislative initiatives would help protect Iowans and LGBT Americans alike. Please make equality a priority by acting on the following issues:

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA): Even with marriage equality in Iowa, the Defense of Marriage Act prevents full equality for LGBT couples on a federal level. This was a key campaign promise of President Obama and he should work with Congress to remove this barrier to full equality for gay and lesbian couples.

Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT): In the wake of Iowa's marriage ruling, the Iowa National Guard said that service members could be discharged if they were to marry their gay partner. Iowans should not have to choose between their dedication to serving our country and the protections of marriage. Congress should repeal DADT and allow all to serve openly.

Pass Inclusive Employment Non Discrimination (ENDA): Federal action is needed to protect LGBT individuals from employment discrimination. While Iowa passed employment protections in 2007, an inclusive federal Employment Non Discrimination Act would add an additional layer of protection.

Pass Hate Crimes Protections: In April, the US House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute certain bias-motivated crimes based on the person's perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Congress should move quickly to pass the Act and see that all Americans are protected.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 24, 2009


Background Information

National LGBT Priorities Take Center Stage

As the LGBT community in Iowa celebrates marriage equality, progress on a number of federal legislative initiatives would help protect Iowans and LGBT Americans alike. Join One Iowa and ask President Obama and your legislators to pursue the following federal priorities

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Even with marriage equality in Iowa, the Defense of Marriage Act prevents full equality for LGBT couples on a federal level. President Obama should fulfill this campaign promise and work with Congress to remove this barrier to full equality for gay and lesbian couples.

Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT) In the wake of Iowa's marriage ruling, the Iowa National Guard said that service members could be discharged if they were to marry their gay partner. Iowans should not have to choose between their dedication to serving our country and the protections of marriage. Congress should repeal DADT and allow all to serve openly.

Pass Inclusive Employment Non Discrimination (ENDA) Federal action is needed to protect LGBT individuals from employment discrimination. While Iowa passed employment protections in 2007, an inclusive federal Employment Non Discrimination Act would add an additional layer of protection.

Pass Hate Crimes Protections In April, the US House passed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which would the Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute certain bias-motivated crimes based on the person's perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Congress should move quickly to pass the Act and see that all Americans are protected.