Despite the fact that just last week, the House of Representatives passed a transgender inclusive hate crimes Bill (Special thanks to Representatives Rahall and Mollohan), and

Despite the fact that last week the Maine State Senate voted out a Marriage equality bill for their state’s LGBT community, and

Despite the fact that a growing number of Americans support equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and

Despite calls from moderates within the Republican party to bring an end to the exclusionary principles that got them creamed in the 2006 and 2008 elections, what does the WV State Republican Party do?

http://wvgazette.com/News/200905040128

That’s right. State Republicans in the House of Delegates have called on Governor Joe Manchin to add to the upcoming special session, legislation that would create a special election referendum defining marriage.

You may remember the promoters of this initiative trying to pressure the Governor like this before. He didn’t give in then, and we need to make sure he doesn’t give in now. Please, call the Governor’s office and ask him not to include this legislation in his special session agenda.

The number is 1.888.438.2731

Email: Governor@WVGov.org

Be sure to keep a polite and civil tone with whomever you speak with and in your email. Additionally, it will go a long way to point out that the Governor did not give in to this demand last fall, and he should remain consistent in NOT putting this issue on a special session agenda.

Thank you,

Seth DiStefano
Organizer, ACLU of West Virginia