Like a good little soldier, when Indiana Equality sends out an email notice stating that my State Rep or Senator, or members of a committee, need to hear from me about SJR-7, I often follow through. One such email even caused a sign of life to appear in my snail mail recently --- a form letter from my State Rep of House District #70, Paul Robertson.
(SJR-7 passed in both houses in 2005. In the current legislative session, it has passed in the Indiana Senate, and at the time of this post, is in committee in the Indiana House.)
For the sake of completeness, here is the full text of the letter I received:
"Dear Mr. Lopp,
"Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate learning of your thoughts on the various issues that are before the Indiana General Assembly.
"Hearing from my constituents regarding the issues that are being considered allows me to make better, informed decisions, and I appreciate your taking the time to share your sentiments with me.
"I thank you once again for your input into the legislative process. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
"Sincerely, Paul J. Robertson"
On the surface: The letter says absolutely nothing about the lawmaker's position on this issue --- in fact, it doesn't even identify what the issue is! But I have been told by an IE lobbyist (I believe it was Mark St. John, if I am not mistaken) that Mr. Robertson is more than merely supportive of the "Marriage Discrimination Amendment" --- he is virtually immovable. The letter I received seems to be in agreement with this evaluation.
Translation: It is most likely that this is the type of form letter that a lawmaker sends in response when there will be a cold day in Hell before the lawmaker will vote in agreement with the opinion expressed by the constituent. But technically, he is keeping us guessing unless we know how to read between the lines.
Conclusion: The best guess is that the gay men and lesbians of House District 70 will need to help find a replacement for Mr. Robertson if they want favorable representation in Indianapolis. Even if he is a Democrat. That's the way the system works. Come out, come out, whereever you are!
