Write Your Legislator

Writing a letter or email is a very important way for you to articulate your opinion of a particular piece of legislation and request that your legislator vote a certain way. It is very important to be respectful as you describe your position, although you may be very passionate about an issue, respectful communication will be much more impacting than angry or aggressive language.

Letters and emails don’t have to be very long. In fact a short letter each week is better than one long letter. Below is a template and helpful hints you can use to write a letter and/or email to your legislator.

1. Place your position on the bill and the bill number at the top.

Example: RE: Please oppose civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals.

2. Always address your legislator by their title and last name.

Example: Dear Rep. Smith:

3. Start by introducing yourself. Mention that you live in their district, maybe brief personal information, and that you oppose civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals.

Example: My name is John Doe and I live in Anywhere, Oregon. I am a public school teacher, and I am very opposed to civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals.

4. Next explain why you are adamantly opposed to civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals. Tell them your concerns with civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals and why you think it’s bad legislation. Also express your desire that they too oppose civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals.

Example: My main concern with civil unions is that it only widens the “benefits net” big enough for gay and lesbian families, but not for many other families that could use these benefits. If the legislature is going to start handing out benefits that have until now be reserved for married couples, let’s look at every Oregon family than would benefit and leave sexual orientation out of the decision.

I also believe that giving bi-sexual and transgender individuals protected minority status in Oregon law is too extreme. First off their lifestyle is not inherent like the color of my skin or my gender. Secondly, it seems that businesses and public facilities could face lawsuits if they did not cater to the needs of transgender individuals, which really isn’t fair.

5. Lastly thank them for taking the time to read your email and once again urge them to oppose civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals. Remember: Close the letter by stating your name, address and phone number. (This will allow them to verify that you do in fact live in their district, and if they may want to respond to your email by phone or mail.)

Example: Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on this issue. It is one that I deeply care about and I must urge you to please oppose civil unions and minority status for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender individuals. Thank you.

Sincerely,
John Doe

1234 Main Street
Anywhere, Oregon 97201
503-123-4567