Below is a sample letter to the editor. Feel free to edit the letter, include your story, or add to it. You do not need to change it if you do not want to. Keep in mind that most letters to the editor need to be less than 300 words. Requirements will vary depending on the newspaper. Check newspaper submission requirements and whether letters need to be submitted by email or fax.
Date
Letter to the Editor
Name of Newspaper
Address
City/State/Zip
Fax or email
Dear Editor:
As a person of faith committed to working for justice and equality for all people, I am writing to express my opposition to the anti-family "Federal Marriage Amendment" (FMA). The FMA, proposed by several right-wing conservative religious organizations, has been introduced into both houses of Congress.
This proposed amendment to the US Constitution seeks to discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, their families and children by defining marriage as "between a man and a woman". Not only does this amendment seek to deny the 1000+ rights and privileges given to people who obtain civil marriage licenses, but it is also a mean spirited attempt to take away existing rights given to couples through state or local laws, and make second-class citizens of GLBT couples, their families and their children.
The anti-family Federal Marriage Amendment also seeks to codify discrimination against same-gender couples into the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, rather than expand and protect the rights of all Americans. If passed, this will represent the first time the Constitution would be amended for purposes of taking away rights.
Those seeking to amend the Constitution are promoting discrimination against millions of America’s couples, families, and children by denying them equal rights and protections under the law, and by taking away any existing rights they may have.
I urge fair-minded people to be a voice for justice and equality, and speak out against this amendment and the discrimination and unjust practices it promotes.
Sincerely,
Your signature
Printed Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
(Most newspapers require your address and phone number for verification purposes, but will not print them – check for local policies)