WHEREAS:
Equal rights for all citizens is a fundamental principle in a democratic society; and
WHEREAS:
Gay and lesbian citizens continue to suffer extreme discrimination in employment, military service, housing, and public accommodations; and
WHEREAS:
June 25, 1994 marked the 25th anniversary of Stonewall, the start of the national gay and lesbian rights movement; and
WHEREAS:
Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, California, New Jersey, Vermont, Minnesota and many local governments have laws and policies banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS:
Right-wing groups are waging initiative and referendum campaigns to overturn laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS:
Legislation is pending before Congress to expand the Nation's basic civil rights acts to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continue to support the adoption of federal, state, and local civil rights laws and policies that will protect gays and lesbians, including making the tax treatment of employer-based benefits for nontraditional families the same as for traditional families; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME continues to fight against efforts to repeal laws and policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That AFSCME considers candidates' records on gay and lesbian rights in determining endorsements.
SUBMITTED BY:
George Popyack, International Vice President
and Director and Delegate
Charlene Shores, Treasurer and Delegate
AFSCME Local 829, Council 57
CaliforniaLiz Larsen, President and Delegate
Faye Lee, Secretary
AFSCME Local 443, Council 28
WashingtonLinda Saunto, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 2083, Council 2
WashingtonDavid Rader, Delegate
Gordon Umino, President and Delegate
Mari Wyatt, Secretary and Delegate
AFSCME Local 843, Council 28
Washington