WHEREAS:

            AFSCME represents 1.6 million active members and retirees in matters such as health and pension benefits, family and medical leave rights, as well as matters concerning tax treatment and disability. Many of these benefits depend on full marital rights.  While some states recognize civil unions, many do not. Furthermore, civil unions are not full equal rights; and

WHEREAS:

            In a best case scenario, even where civil unions are permitted, they are essentially an attempt at creating a separate but equal environment. Not only is this unjust, but by simple definition, denying anyone the full right to marry and all the privileges that come with it is discriminatory; and

WHEREAS:

            At past conventions, AFSCME has already committed to: the Elimination of Unfair Taxation on Domestic Partner Medical Benefits, Equal Rights for Gay and Lesbian Citizens, addressing Economic and Social Issues Facing Domestic Partners, affirming Support for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, the creation of AFSCME Gay and Lesbian Advisory Committee Activities, and support for Civil Rights for Gay Men and Lesbians; and

WHEREAS:

            In 2010, AFSCME placed a full page ad in Politico stating: “AFSCME is proud of the role we have played in working to end discrimination. For thirty years, we have fought to eliminate discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Our strength lies in our diversity. We support President Obama’s effort to change a destructive policy. It is time to end “don’t ask, don’t tell;” and

WHEREAS:

            True equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are the civil rights struggle of our time. Organized labor has always been on the front lines in the fight for civil rights of both its members and the public at large. While our fights have not always been popular with general public, they were just, and they were on the right side of history; and

WHEREAS:

            Our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members have walked the picket lines, fought the fight to save the middle class, and valiantly combated the assault on unions. It is our duty to join them in their fight for full equal rights, with marriage equality being a key component of those rights; and

WHEREAS:

            Someday society will look back at this current time and wonder why someone would discriminate against someone else based on whom they chose to love.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME International stands in opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act and firmly agrees with President Obama in not defending it; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME International and all of its affiliates will oppose any legislation or ballot measure that bans marriage rights based on sexual orientation or gender identity; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            That AFSCME International will dedicate resources, time and financial support to advance legislation and/or support ballot measures, at both the state and federal level, to confer full marriage equality, including health and pension benefits, family and medical leave, tax treatment and disability benefits to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

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