WHEREAS:

Since the Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges established that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples, there has been a significant, organized backlash against individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ); and

WHEREAS:

As of April 2016, there have been more than 100 bills introduced across 22 states that allow judges to refuse to marry same-sex couples, allow businesses to deny services to LGBTQ individuals and couples, and restrict access to restroom facilities; and

WHEREAS:

Governments, businesses and organizations that deny people, due to their perceived gender identity or presentation, access to restroom facilities are unfairly targeting or discriminating against people based on unsubstantiated biases or stereotypes, thus perpetuating a culture of violence and misunderstanding that harms workers, their families and the public; and

WHEREAS:

Recognizing the shared value of access to safe bathroom spaces available to all persons, including in places of employment, public accommodation and government — which is supported by federal workplace standards — helps people maintain proper hygiene, supports people in obtaining and maintaining employment, strengthens workplace morale, builds union membership and supports people in caring for themselves and their families; and

WHEREAS:

In response to the North Carolina bathroom bill, Attorney General Loretta Lynch stated, “This action is about a great deal more than just bathrooms. This is about the dignity and respect we accord our fellow citizens and the laws that we, as a people and as a country, have enacted to protect them — indeed, to protect all of us. And it’s about the founding ideals that have led this country — haltingly but inexorably — in the direction of fairness, inclusion and equality for all Americans;” and

WHEREAS:

Legislation that denies people basic human rights and attempts to scapegoat them for society’s ills, is by definition discriminatory and fosters an environment of hate and violence. Such an environment can and does result in atrocities — such as seen in Orlando — by creating a class of people who are deemed less worthy of the same human rights enjoyed by the rest of the community; and

WHEREAS:

In light of the recent mass shooting in Orlando targeting the LGBTQ community, it is clear that AFSCME needs to continue to strive to create a society in which our LBGTQ members and the community we serve can feel safe to love, live and share the same public spaces we all hold dear, without fear of physical violence or retaliation in any form.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME stands in unwavering support and AFSCME STRONG solidarity with our LGBTQ union family and the LGBTQ community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME and its affiliates will actively and publicly oppose all discriminatory legislation that creates an environment of hate and violence and that denies our LGBTQ union members and community at-large their rightful place in our society; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME and its affiliates will continue to work with all means at their disposal to build an environment of acceptance and equality for all members of the LGBTQ community; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will send a copy of this resolution to the AFL-CIO.

SUBMITTED BY: Michael Stewart, Delegate

AFSCME Local 328, Council 75

Oregon