Letter to the editor: Kieffer didn’t stand up for gay marriage

I spoke at length with Andrea Kieffer before she was elected as a representative about my concern on how she would fairly represent me as a gay father. She assured me she would and after her election I sent her a congratulatory email reminding her she ran on economic issues and to not try and limit freedoms of families like mine. She responded, “I agree with you: we need to stay focused and remember what our country is all about: Freedom and respect for all :) Andrea.”

In the spring of 2011 the Legislature began the debate about the proposed marriage amendment and I reached out to Rep. Kieffer and to remind her of my concerns. She replied, “Hi! You came to mind as soon as I heard of this crazy proposal. I am doing research on it, want to make sure there are no civil rights or contractual rights taken away.” She requested some resource help which I provided.

I continued communicating with her as the vote approached and she responded, “Honestly, I have struggled with this vote more than anything else. It is going to pass the floor – regardless of me.” I went to the Capitol on the day of the vote and talked with her and pleaded for her to represent me and my family on this matter reminding her of how difficult this amendment would be to explain to my young son.

Rep. Kieffer voted for placing this amendment on the ballot. What about those rights she was concerned about and the freedom and respect for all? Her email response to me afterward indicated, “You will have a voice, you can vote NO.”

Rep. Kieffer chose not represent families like mine. It is our turn to vote. Vote no on the marriage amendment and her re-election.

Frederick Hess - Woodbury

Tags: letter to the editor, opinion, updates, elections