Can't Pass % Wildcard Variable In Querystring

I'm trying to pass the wildcard variable % to another page via
request.querystring.

When I go to pick up the variable through request.querystring, it will
never diplay the "%" if one is included. It will diplay any other
characters included in the variable though.

Code from page 1:

<%response.write "<a href='Page_2.asp?Severity=" & varCombo_Severity &
"&Owner=" & varCombo_Owner & "'>" & "<i> Go to Page 2 </i>" & "</a>"
%>

Code from page 2:

<%varCombo_Severity = Request.Querystring ("Severity")%>
<%varCombo_Owner = Request.Querystring ("Owner")%>

Result: No % wildcards are passed though to page 2

Any ideas?