The National Organization for Marriage, the sometimes fumbling and controversial anti-gay marriage group, is targeting Miami-area Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in its latest publicity stunt. Last week, Ros-Lehtinen became the first and so far only Republican to sponsor a bill that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which furthered her credibility as a champion of gay rights. NOM is none too please and is asking its members to flood her e-mail inbox with letters.
You might remember NOM for its ridiculously dramatic "Gathering Storm" anti-gay marriage ad. You might also remember them for starting a campaign called "2M4M," which they intended to mean "2 Million for Marriage," but is common internet slang for "two men seeking another man." You might also remember them for getting involved in the 2009 special congressional election in New York's 23rd district. The organization attacked Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava, which forced her to withdraw from the race. A Democrat ended up winning the traditionally Republican seat. To be Scozzafavaed is known as attacking a Republican for supporting of gay rights.
Now NOM is attempting to Scozzafava Ros-Lehtinen. The group is now asking its members to send the most senior Republican woman serving in the House this pre-written letter:
Dear Rep. Ros-Lehtinen,Ros-Lehtinen certainly knows something about marriage. She's been married for 27 years. We're not sure if Ros-Lehtinen's support of gay marriage could cause her to face a primary challenger next year, but in a district more concerned with high unemployment and, well, Castro, we'd be surprised if she's taken down by her gay rights stance.
I am writing to express my disappointment and deep concern that you would abandon traditional Republican principles of marriage, family, and democratic self-government. Marriage is a bedrock of our society, and I urge you to re-consider your position on DOMA.
By co-sponsoring Rep. Nadler's bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, you are placing in jeopardy the laws of marriage in more the 40 states, threatening to impose same-sex marriage on voters across the nation who have resoundingly rejected same-sex marriage at every turn.
I urge you to drop your support for the repeal of DOMA, and to respect the voice of the American people, including the people of Florida, who have already voted to keep marriage as it has always been -- the union of a husband and wife.
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