Support equality for all Americans

To the editor

On June 7, 49 U.S. senators attempted to instill discrimination into the Constitution. This failed attempt would have been the first time the U.S. Constitution was amended to take away rights, without the individual in question committing a voluntary act to prompt the suspension of full civil equality. Ratification of the amendment would have denied committed same sex couples and their families 1,138 federal rights, benefits and privileges according to the U.S. General Accounting Office.

Though a victory was achieved on the side of equality for all Americans, the U.S. House of Representatives has already stated that it will be make a similar attempt to instill discrimination in our most revered national document, the U.S. Constitution in July. June is traditionally when gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people show the world they are proud of whom they are. Despite this pending intentional discriminatory legislation, this year is no different.

The Mid-Missouri LGBT Coalition is proud to have hosted this years Columbia event, "Pride Not Prejudice." Approximately 950 people attended at some point during this daylong event held at Stephen's Lake Park in Columbia on June 10. We encourage all mid-Missourians to continue their support for the American value of equality by contacting their public officials and reminding them our families have value and all deserve the same equal protection under the law .

DANIEL HAYS, president,

Mid-Missouri LGBT Coalition, Jefferson City, Mo.