Three of Delaware's largest labor
unions have endorsed legalizing gay marriage in Delaware.
On Monday, Equality Delaware, the
state's largest gay rights advocate, announced it had secured the
endorsements of the Delaware state AFL-CIO, the Delaware Building and
Construction Trades Council and Delaware Public Employees Council 81
– AFSCME. Together, the unions represent more than 40,000 members
statewide.
Lawmakers are expected to consider
marriage equality legislation later this session.
“We call on the General Assembly to
pass a marriage equality bill this year,” said
Michael A. Begatto, executive director of Delaware Public
Employees Council 81 – AFSCME. “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.”
Samuel E. Lathem, president of the
Delaware State AFL-CIO, said his union's support was “entirely
consistent with the long and proud history of the AFL-CIO in working
to advance social justice and equality for all people.”
“Now is the time to pass a marriage
bill,” added Harry Gravell, president of the Delaware Building &
Construction Trades Council.