The Honorable Lloyd Doggett House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Mr.

Lloyd Doggett: I have written to express my opinions on marriage equality within the state of Texas and wish to gain a response that lets me know my voice is being heard. I believe that as a citizen, who is also a member of the LGBT community, I am being denied the rights that I, like any other human being, was given the day I was born. As of now the state constitution clearly defines a ban on same-sex marriage or anything that may bond a same-sex couple legally by the state of Texas. Also, as of 2011 it was declared that Texas also lacks the power to divorce a same-sex couple. It is evident Texas wishes to take no part in either the joining or separating of same-sex marriages. I stand by such a controversial issue not only because I am directly affected but because I have seen the results of others directly affected as well. I have heard countless stories of couples being discriminated against and denied the simple joy of being bonded eternally by the governments of the United States. As a country that prides itself on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, it is disheartening to hear stories of a man being denied access to his dying partner simply because they are not legally bound. They are denied those final moments of life with one another. It goes beyond a legal matter and soon becomes a matter of divine right. I am a man of faith and have battled the many close-minded Christians who spin their tales of lies and deceit. I hear the ways they mutilate such holy and pure scripture in order to support their distorted beliefs. As Americans we have withdrawn ourselves from the birthplace of marriage, God. As humans we have no right to tell love what it is and isnt because of another mans bigotry. I once heard a story of a woman who owned a home but denied people the right to park in front of it. She did not actually live in the home but instead on another estate miles away. However, she posted signs warning others of parking in front of the house and even towed the few cars that were there during her sporadic visits. Although she had no tie to the parking spaces and was truly not hurt in any way by those that did park in front of the home, she felt the need to prohibit it and mandate it at all cost. Her story is the same as that of marriage equality. Mr. Doggett, I know you support equal marriage opportunity and I greatly appreciate it. Although you are one of the few in Texas who does I believe you are evidence that Texas is, in fact, changing, for the better. I do not wish to banter on endlessly, but simply let my voice be heard by the man that represents me in Congress. I hope to let you know that your actions are inspiring and a glimpse at what Texas can and hopefully will become. Thank you for your time. Sincerely Yours,

Michael Johnson Stephen F. Austin High School Student