Cameron Myers Milne, an 11 year old who
has two moms, wrote to all 9 Supreme Court justices and President
Barack Obama to let them know she's doing great.
Cameron, a sixth grade student in North
Carolina, said she was inspired to write to the justices by her
parents, who have protested passage of a North Carolina amendment
which defines marriage as a heterosexual union.
“I was inspired by my parents to make
an effort and do something,” Cameron said.
The Wilson
Times reported that Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court's
first Hispanic justice, included a signed portrait along with her
response to Cameron.
“I really was surprise,” Cameron
said of receiving Sotomayor's letter. “I hadn't expected someone
so high up to respond to a letter like that.”
The Supreme Court is expected to hear
two cases later this month related gay marriage. One case
challenging Proposition 8, California's voter-approved marriage ban,
could effect North Carolina, if the court strikes down all such
amendments.
In her letter, Cameron told the
justices that she wants her parents' New York marriage to be
recognized in her home state.
“Please look at our photos and think
of us when you make decisions based on gay rights,” she wrote. “We
are a family. I am very proud of my parents and I hope you
understand how your decision will affect my family.”
“If you have any concerns about the
welfare of kids of gay parents, I can tell you that I am doing great.
I am so loved. Everybody I know tells me I am such a lucky kid. My
parents are my life. They quiz me before tests and make sure that I
am doing well in school.”
Sotomayor replied that she could not
comment on the cases but thanked Cameron for sharing her story.
“I know dreams can come true when you
work hard to achieve them,” Sotomayor wrote. “I wish you the joy
of dreaming big, working hard and succeeding in all that you do.”