2395
(12 votes, average 4.67 out of 5)
Written by Halli Stewart
Feb 24, 2011
Halli Stewart
As a gay individual, I know all too well what it is like to fight for my rights, but fighting to avoid losing already secured rights is a new fight for me. It is a fight that I have become extremely passionate about since the unveiling of Scott Walker’s Budget Repair Bill.
As an openly gay teacher, I know the importance of collective bargaining and union rights. On a number of occasions I have required the protection of my union – the Racine Education Association – because I have faced discrimination or harassment due to my sexual orientation. The association’s undying support and protection have been vital in my continued employment.
I can say with great confidence that if my union did not protect me, I would have been wrongfully terminated without just cause because of my sexual orientation. I need unions.
In addition to unions protecting people from discrimination and harassment, they also are fighting to ensure that LGBT employees are treated in an equitable manner with regard to benefits. My union is willing to fight and negotiate for domestic partnership benefits. Without its efforts, my employer would not even consider offering such benefits.
In fact, the majority of Wisconsin employers that offer domestic partnership benefits are doing so because a union collectively bargained for their members. They need unions.
We all know that this is a crucial time in America for gay rights. Politicians are constantly faced with decisions to acknowledge domestic partnerships, civil unions and gay marriage. In doing so, they are ultimately deciding if our relationships, families and rights are important. Unions are recognizing the importance of LGBT relationships by fighting for us to be treated the same as our straight counterparts. Unions are some of our strongest allies. We need unions.
Scott Walker is attempting to erase 50 years of Wisconsin history and workers’ rights. It is clear that he will not stop with this bill. He is aiming to eliminate democracy as we know it.
As LGBT people in Wisconsin, our rights are limited. If we do not stand up now and stop Walker, the few we do have will be taken. Future rights will be nearly impossible to secure.
I urge WiG readers to contact your senators and Gov. Walker to express your disgust for this heinous bill!
Allowing one group to be oppressed will open the floodgates for all to be oppressed. Solidarity!
Halli Stewart is a literacy teacher for the Racine Unified School District.
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