Love Sees No Borders - Sample Letter

Sample Letter in English

Dear Congressman:

Brazilian homosexuals are holders of irrevocable rights. They are law-abiding citizens and tax contributors. They fulfill their electoral duties. Still, they are treated as second- class citizens by the Brazilian State and are not given any legal protection for their relationships, in contrast to the treatment given to their Brazilian heterosexual counterparts. Their only state support has been limited to favorable decisions after long and exhaustive judicial battles.

On the other hand, there are abundant homophobic speeches. Some people regard homosexuals as sick or degenerate, and others still, view them as an affront against human nature. These false ideas are advertised freely with no punishment. Notwithstanding, scientific associations and organizations in the fields of Medicine and Psychology have attested to the normalcy of this sexual behavior. Their honor and intimacy rights are disrespected when they suffer offenses perpetrated by conservatives, including public authorities. Facts show that abusive acts justified by the right to freedom of expression, morality and religious principles are accepted and outweigh the constitutional rights, which should be guaranteed to homosexual citizens.

The Chamber of Deputies will meet to vote on the Replacement for the Project of Registered Civil Partnership, which acknowledges and protects the union of same-sex couples. This is an example of what was done in Portugal, France, Holland and so many other countries. Conservative arguments, intolerance and even God's name will once more be invoked in an attempt to maintain prejudice and discrimination, thus representing a maneuver enabling the Federal Constitution to continue to be disregarded, by not applying the equality principle to gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals.

Deputy, homosexuals, their parents, siblings, relatives and all of those who respect diversity and believe in the peaceful interaction among different groups demand that gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals be treated equally as citizens. The intent is not to give privileges to these minorities, but rather the right to citizenship, in attention to the preamble to the Constitution, aiming to foster a fraternal, democratic society, devoid of prejudice.

We count on your vote in favor of the approbation of the Replacement of the Project of the Registered Civil Partnership, a historical opportunity for you to participate in the construction of a more just and congenial Brazil.

Respectfully,

Text edited from the original from Gaylawyers.