IN THIS ALERT:

1. Let’s Stop Gay Relationship Amendment in the Senate!

2. Gay Relationship ACLU-Idaho vs. Focus on the Family, Thursday, Live on BSU Radio

DETAILS:

1. Let’s Stop the Gay Relationship Amendment in the Senate!

This year's anti-marriage amendment is moving quickly through the legislature.  It was approved by the House Monday on a vote of 53 to 17.  Now it heads to the Senate.  Recall that the Senate has courageously stopped this discriminatory amendment the last two years.  We need them to stop it again!  And they need your help.
 
For the full text of the bill and the legislative intent:  http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/HJR002.html 
 
The proponents of the amendment are organized and have been generating lots of mail and phone calls to the Senate.  We need to do the same!  Please take a minute of your time and contact your Senator.  What we're asking you to do is quick and easy.  Just ask them to vote no.  It's that simple.  If you have the time, tell them why you want them to vote no.
 
If you live in Coeur d'Alene, or West Boise, YOUR VOICE IS CRITICAL!  These Senators voted against the amendment last year and have been targeted by the opposition.  They need your support.  They need to hear from you.  We cannot lose their votes.
 
Send a quick message!
 
Senator John Goedde (Coeur d'Alene):  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=83 
 
Senator Richard Compton (Coeur d'Alene):  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=141
 
Senator John Andreason (Boise):  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactmembersform.cfm?ID=81
 
The amendment will be heard Friday the 10th in the Senate State Affairs Committee.  You can send an email to the entire committee:  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactallcommitteemembersform.cfm?ID=SSTA
 
Wherever you live, please tell your Senator how you feel and urge them to vote against this amendment. 
 
Don't know who your Senator is?  Click here:  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/who'smylegislator.htm
 
HOW TO CONTACT SENATORS
 
It only takes a minute to call the capitol switchboard (using the number listed below) and ask the operators to deliver a message to your Senator.  The message can be short and simple:  "I'm urging Senator ___ to vote against the marriage amendment."  It's that easy. You'll be asked for your name, address and phone number, and then you'll be done. You have made your voice heard.

Phone:            (208) 332-1000 (Boise area)
Toll free:        (800) 626-0471 (Outside Boise area)
 

Or you can send a quick email to your Senator.  Again, the message can be short and sweet.  "Please vote against the marriage amendment."  You do need to include your name, address and phone number.  Again, your voice will be heard.  To send an email:  http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/about/contactbydistrict.cfm

2. Idaho Gay Relationship Amendment to be Debated

Case for and against permitting same-sex marriage to be highlighted

Note: Boise State Radio will be broadcasting the debate live this Thursday at 7 pm, Mountain Time

Boise, Idaho –– The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho and Cornerstone Institute of Idaho today announced a debate on the proposed Idaho Marriage Amendment. The event will highlight the cases for and against permitting same-sex marriage and will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Summit Room of the Boise Centre on the Grove.

"Cornerstone Institute is proud to host this debate about how marriage will be defined in Idaho," said Julie Lynde, spokeswoman for the Institute. "We are excited to have two articulate men advocate for their perspectives on the institution of marriage."

"The same-sex marriage issue is critical," said Glenn Stanton, who will defend male/female marriage in the debate, and serves as Focus on the Family's senior analyst for marriage and sexuality. "To say that a family does not need either a male or a female is a radical and dangerous deconstruction of humanity. But that is exactly what the same-sex marriage proposition says.

"It is critical that people of dramatically different opinions engage this issue seriously and passionately, but also civilly and thoughtfully. I am looking forward to the opportunity to do that in Boise."

Presenting the case for the right to marry members of the same sex is Jack Van Valkenburgh, the executive director of the ACLU of Idaho.

"I welcome the chance to present the case for the freedom to marry, no matter one’s sexual orientation." Van Valkenburgh said. "Why should the government have the power to discriminate regarding the right of committed, loving couples to receive the benefits and responsibilities of marriage? Idahoans who reflect for a moment want less – not more – government influence over their personal, life decisions.”

The debate will be moderated by Professor James Weatherby, director of the Public Policy Center of Boise State University, and is co-sponsored by Cornerstone Institute of Idaho, the ACLU of Idaho, Boise State Radio, Idaho Public Television, and the Public Policy Center of Boise State University. The Boise Centre on the Grove is located downtown at 850 W. Front Street.

Biographical information for the debaters is available online at www.family.org/welcome/bios/a0032215.cfm.  and http://acluidaho.org/jackvcv.htm. 
Admission is free and the public is encouraged to attend.