To: Senator Dianne Feinstein

Senator Feinstein: Take a Stand and Support the Uniting American Families Act

LGBTQ couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples, and right now, we have an opportunity to let Senator Feinstein know that immigration law is no exception. We expect her to protect all LGBTQ couples as part of a comprehensive immigration reform package.

Why is this important?

Every person who would seem to fall under the "column" of LGBTQ are in fact 100% human and deserve 100% equality when it comes to rights and opportunities under the law. Sexual orientation should have nothing to do with any of the considerations or provisions of the Uniting American Families Act or any other such legislation.

Senator Feinstein, during a recent exchange in the political arena, you mentioned your proximity to Harvey Milk at the time of his assassination, and the devastating results of the combination of gun violence with prejudice against a politician with an outspoken stance and gay identity. While you have addressed the gun violence aspect of this issue, you should also recognize the volatility of the LGBTQ side of the issue. You, Senator Feinstein, of all people, should know as well as anyone, from your own firsthand accounts, still fresh in your memory, still affecting how you see things in the grander political landscape… you should know how important language and political perception is when it comes to the sexual orientation of those around you and how they are perceived and treated by others.

Those of us who are compassionate and seek justice as it protects rights through the rule of law should take a stand and say so out loud, and our legislators who have the time, resources & wherewithal to fight for such rights should absolutely do so on behalf of those who cannot or are afraid for their own health or welfare to try to stand up and speak for themselves on such issues. This is an issue of social and cultural acceptance as well as a matter of language in a legal document.

We, the signers of this petition, urge you, Senator Feinstein, to take a stand for the LGBTQ community and make certain that the rights everyone be addressed in such important legislation.