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Written by Lisa Neff, Staff writer
Jun 16, 2011
Dozens of union groups have committed to campaigning for same-sex marriage in New York.
An intense effort is underway in the state to move a marriage equality bill before the current legislative session ends this month. The push has the support of a majority of Democratic lawmakers in Albany, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former Republican National Committee Chair Ken Mehlman, a number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in New York and a coalition of civil rights groups.
The push also has the support of a long list of labor organizations – from the Actor’s Equity Association to the UUP.
“The organized labor movement in this state and a majority of New Yorkers believe the denial of marriage equality hurts not just individuals, but also family members, neighbors and co-workers who care about the well-being of same-sex couples and the children they care for,” said Mary Sullivan, president of the Capital District Area Labor Federation.
She continued, “While some measures have been taken to bring recognition to these families, there is no substitute for marriage. No legal mechanism for protecting families is as widely accepted or has as clear legal precedent and meaning as marriage. Continuing to deny access to marriage for loving, committed same-sex couples discriminates against them and relegates them to second-class citizenship. The time for action, and passage, of marriage equality legislation is now.”
Similar endorsements came from representatives of the Public Employees Federation, the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworkers, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and the SEIU Local 200United.
“On behalf of the over 12,000 families represented by SEIU Local 200United, my fellow officers and I fully support the issue of marriage equality,” said secretary-treasurer Mike Lonigro. “We will not accept anything less than total equality. As we speak, we are in contract negotiations where we are demanding, among other things, the right for employees to make their same-sex partners in life eligible pension beneficiaries. Marriage equality in New York state would make this a non-issue and would free us up to negotiate for other important matters. I urge the New York State Legislature to pass this legislation before the end of session.”
As of WiG press time, the marriage equality bill had been introduced in the GOP-controlled Senate and was expected to be voted upon as early as June 16 or June 17. The measure was still a vote shy of passage on June 15.
