WHEREAS:

As trade unionists, we believe that all workers deserve equal benefits. Numerous AFSCME contracts include anti-discrimination, pay equity and domestic partner benefit provisions. We have long supported laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS:

Throughout American history, the U.S. Constitution has been amended to protect the rights and liberties of the American people. For example, it was amended to abolish slavery and to give young people and women the right to vote. It has been the legal foundation on which to grant fundamental rights, not take them away; and

WHEREAS:

The proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is a radical proposal that would take away the rights of lesbian and gay persons to enter into civil marriage. If passed, it would become the first Constitutional amendment to restrict the rights of a certain class of Americans. It would, in fact, permanently write discrimination into the U.S. Constitution; and

WHEREAS:

Amendments to the Constitution are rare, occurring only seventeen times in two centuries. They should not be used as a political tool to distract American people from the real problems facing the nation; and

WHEREAS:

The Federal Marriage Amendment would take away the ability of states to enforce existing state and local laws that deal with civil union and domestic partnerships. It would also take away a state's rights to decide these matters. A federal marriage amendment would erode AFSCME's ability to bargain for language guaranteeing equal protections and benefits for all workers and could invalidate contracts that already exist; and

WHEREAS:

Such matters as health and pension benefits, family medical leave rights, tax treatment and disability, among many others, could be adversely affected.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support the adoption of federal, state, and local civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and other areas including housing, credit, taxation, public accommodations, public benefits and public services; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage negotiation of anti-discrimination, pay equity and domestic partner benefits provisions in all contracts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME stand in opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment and continue to fight against its passage; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME continue to support laws and policies that will provide equal rights and protections to gays and lesbians; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strongly oppose any law or constitutional amendment that will abridge the rights of gays and lesbians including ones that perpetuate unequal marriage treatment. To deny people the right to marry is to deny their humanity.

SUBMITTED BY:

Thomas P. Cronin, President and Delegate
Yvonne Harris, Recording Secretary
AFSCME Council 47

Gary Kapanowski, President
AFSCME Local 1723, Council 47
Pennsylvania

Richard Cabral, President and Delegate
Charlene Shores, Treasurer
AFSCME Council 57
California