The the Constitution of the United States of America, has been around for well over 200 years. Never once has their been an amendment to the Constitution designed to take away the rights of a specific group of people; but if Republicans have their way, that will change.

A vote is expected in late June or July on an amendment that would roll back the clock on equality for gay and lesbian Americans. The Federal Marriage Amendment would re-write the Constitution to treat same-sex couples differently than other Americans. This law would not just ban marriage equality for same sex couples, but experts believe this amendment could also invalidate domestic partner and civil union laws.

There is strong Republican support for the measure, but thankfully the founders of our country set high standards for passing an amendment. First, it must be approved by two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate. Then, three-fourths of the states must affirm the proposed amendment. Currently, the measure appears to have majority support in both the House and Senate, but not the two-thirds support required.

Not taking any chances, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBTI) community members & allies are stepping up to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment, and your help is needed. Please take a minute now to write a message to your Senators and Representative to oppose writing discrimination into the constitution. You can use online tools to send messages at either People for the American Way or The Human Rights Campaign. Also, Americans United for Separation of Church and State are planning a National Youth Lobby Day to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment which will take place May 23rd. You can sign up at www.au.org/lobby.

Six years ago, this very week, Vermont became the first state to recognize same-sex partnerships. Governor, Howard Dean signed that historic bill into law. He writes in his book "I believe that all people are created equal, certainly in the eyes of God. Therefore, they should be equal in the eyes of the law. That's why I knew I had to work for civil unions. I never viewed the bill as a gay rights issue. I signed it out of a commitment to human rights, and because every single American has the same right to equality and justice under the law that I have."

Don't let Republicans turn back the tide of equality in Vermont, Massachusetts, and around the country. Take action to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment today.