Big news this morning: Three of Delaware’s largest labor unions have endorsed the freedom to marry!
The Delaware State AFL-CIO, the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, and Delaware Public Employees Council 81 – AFSCME have voted to support a marriage equality bill once it’s introduced in the General Assembly this year.
With over 40,000 members statewide, the support of these major unions adds unprecedented momentum to our campaign to secure marriage for all Delaware families.
Our Board President Lisa Goodman thanked organized labor for their strongly supporting the freedom to marry:
“We are proud that these major labor unions have thrown their considerable weight behind marriage equality. The labor movement has long stood for treating all people with dignity and respect, and for fighting for fairness. This type of support makes it clearer every day that this is the year for marriage equality in Delaware."
Michael A. Begatto, Executive Director of Delaware Public Employees Council 81 – AFSCME, which represents Delaware’s public sector employees, said that his organization is proud to endorse marriage equality:
“We call on the General Assembly to pass a marriage equality bill this year. Marriage equality is an issue that is important to our organization. We represent all working families, not just some families. We believe all Delawareans should be treated fairly, including having the freedom to marry the person they love."
Harry Gravell, President of the Delaware Building & Construction Trades Council, stated, “On behalf of the nearly 5000 trades households statewide, we stand firm in the belief that all Delawareans should be treated with fundamental fairness. Now is the time to pass a marriage bill."
"Our board in Delaware has formally voted to support marriage equality," said Samuel E. Lathem, President of the Delaware State AFL-CIO. “This vote is entirely consistent with the long and proud history of the AFL-CIO in working to advance social justice and equality for all people.”
You can read the full release of today's announcement here. And then click here to sign our petition and keep the momentum going!
