Dear Senator Creem,

I am concerned about the state of public process in Massachusetts, specifically in regard to the proposal to define marriage as it has long been understood by our culture, all religions, and government. It is very important that the legislature fulfill its duty to create the law of the land; inactivity on your part leaves the resolution of this matter in the hands of the courts, who should not be placed in the position of having to make a decision that the citizens of the Commonwealth have not vested in their hands.

I was disappointed to see the then-president Thomas Birmingham table a citizen-sponsored bill on this issue last summer, and I applaud Rep. Phil Travis for championing the rights of citizens and proposing an amendment to the state constition along the same lines.

As my representative in the Senate, I urge you to vote in favor of allowing the citizens of the Commonwealth to decide this matter as a ballot question in 2006. Please vote "yes" on H.3190 when it comes before both houses on November 12th.

Regards,

Salim Furth