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Meeting with Senator Peter Fitzgerald's Chief of Staff, Maggie Hickey
On June 28th, 2004, I got to go with a group of psychologists to speak with Senator Peter Fitzgerald about his support of the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) proposed to prevent gay and lesbian marriage. The Senator was unavailable, but his Chief of Staff, Ms. Hickey (above center), met with us.

Senator Fitzgerald strongly supports the FMA, although as I write this, the front page of his web site includes an online poll about this, with 71% of 3,845 votes being against this Amendment. A number of letters to him as well express this same belief. However, at least here in Chicago, views are divided and he seems supported by the Illinois "Family" Institute.

During our meeting, we:
  • pointed out the removal of homosexuality as a disorder from the DSM over 20 years ago
  • noted the healthy and adaptive functioning of gays and lesbians as couples and the discrimination of denying them marriage
  • commented on the harm done to gays and lesbians AND their children by this kind of Amendment
  • and questioned an Amendment that tells churches who they can and can not marry and welcome into their community
Two of us came out as members of committed long term relationships as well. The Chief of Staff, Ms. Hickey (above center), was attentive and interested in our views. However, she acknowledged that, being a cosponsor, Fitzgerald is unlikely to change his mind on the Federal Marriage Amendment. That might not seem like much. However....

Given that Fitzgerald is not seeking re-election... given that supporters of equal rights, like Barac Obama, are still running... given that opponents of equal rights, like Jack Ryan, are no longer running and seem to have a much sleezier sex life than any gays and lesbians I know... well, it struck me that maybe Ms. Hickey was the real person we should be meeting with. Fitzgerald is leaving office, but Ms. Hickey is likely to continue to work for politicians, and I think she might have more influence over her next employer than over Fitzgerald.

Interesting Links:
   Pew Forum views
   Gay Life following of politicians
   Quale.Org following of politicians - last updated in February 2004 though