Georgians! Here's how you can help fight the gay marriage amendment

[ulysses]

I just got off the phone with my friend Beth Littrell, the ACLU attorney in charge of leading the fight against SR 595, the resolution that would ban gay marriage in Georgia. The bill is currently tied up in the House Rules Committee, but is scheduled for a vote this Tuesday.

Call Rep. Calvin Smyre, the Rules Committee chairman, at 404-656-5024 or 706-649-2243, and tell him to keep 595 bottled up in committee. This should not go to a vote.

[ulysses]

1. swimming upstream...

:kick:

[ulysses]

2. ...

Oh well - why do something positive when we can all hang out and vent about Nader?

Anyone want to keep this kicked for a while?

[RamblingRose]

3. I'm here in the burbs, and don't keep up with state politics. All of our

elected officials are republicans. The democrats usually don't even run anybody.

I hate Georgia. The flag flap, changing the name of evolution, etc., all a bunch of crap.

But as a fellow DU'er, I'll give the man a call.;-)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. I'm in Mass-wish I could help you

we have an uphill battle here too, though not as steep a slope.

[ulysses]

5. kicking it up

Thanks, y'all.

[ulysses]

6. and again

:kick:

[ulysses]

7. get up there...

:kick:

[salin]

8. Question

Did she indicate if he is in any way sympathetic? If that is the case - then the calls are likely to give him more fortitude to stick in for the fight (in terms of holding it in committee). If he is tepid (doesn't care one way or the other) then calls need to give more reasons beyond the general issue that he might be more likely to respond to (e.g., republican powerplay issue ... and importance of outmaneuvering the republicans). If he is in favor of the bill (argh), then calls might be worthwhile in terms of registering dissent, but they might not have much impact.

And - Kick!

[ulysses]

9. there's evidently been some back and forth

The original word was that he would keep it bottled up, then a day later, the state Dem chairperson announced the vote tomorrow. Beth didn't give any indication about how Smyre viewed it personally.

[ulysses]

10. "Smyre slows debate on gays" - keep it up!

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/legislature/0204/24leggay.html

House Rules Committee Chairman Calvin Smyre has slowed down a controversial resolution that would make it illegal for gay couples to marry in Georgia.

Smyre (D-Columbus), who said last week that Senate Resolution 595 might be considered early this week, said Monday the 30-member committee will not do so until Thursday or later. Smyre said the committee must first deal with redrawing its political map, as a panel of federal judges has ordered. He also said some committee members have asked for time to consider "other avenues" relating to the bill. He would not elaborate.

The resolution has passed the Republican Senate, but Democrats, who hold 108 of 180 House seats, are divided. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, SR 595 would require a two-thirds majority — 120 House members — before it could be submitted to voters in November.

At a closed-door meeting Monday, the House Democratic caucus did not come up with a unified position.