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January 14, 2009

Big Labor Unions Back Overturn of Prop. 8

The Sacramento Bee is reporting that a coalition of labor unions will file a brief with the California supreme court in support of overturning Prop. 8, the ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage in the state.

More than 50 labor unions signed onto the brief, including heavy hitters like the California Federation of Teachers, the California Nurses Association, and the Screen Actors Guild.

The labor unions say they represent a combined 2 million people.

"If a simple majority of voters can take away one fundamental right, it can take away another," the unions argue in the brief. "If it can deprive one class of citizens of their rights, it can deprive another class too. Today it is gays and lesbians who are singled out. Tomorrow it could be trade unionists."

The labor unions are arguing that Prop. 8 is not a “constitutional amendment” but rather a “constitutional revision.” A revision would requite a two-thirds vote of the legislature to get on the ballot. (Advocate.com)

 

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: Cindy
    Date posted: 2009-01-14 7:06 PM
    Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga

    Comment:

    What gets me is the Teamster newsletter always states how we should vote on offices and Propositions. Before the election the newsletter sent out said that they had no opinion one way or the other. I still don't see anything on the website saying if they are involved with this lawsuit.


  • Name: Jim Webber
    Date posted: 2009-01-14 6:56 PM
    Hometown: Sacramento

    Comment:

    Here in Sacramento, the unions have been among the biggest supporters of gay rights. We have union officials in Stonewall Democrats and the SEIU provided their hall and phones for our phone bank. Two friends of mine were married in a labor union hall. We owe them a special debt of gratitude.


  • Name: Shirley
    Date posted: 2009-01-14 5:07 PM
    Hometown: Paducah,Ky

    Comment:

    Strong labor unions are what built the middle class up and took people out of poverty and servatude. Nowadays you see the Federal government helping to distroy the unions. Many people bled and died and suffered to organize workers and form labor unions. The younger generations need to back the unions and join them when they can. Our only strength is our sheer numbers. I applaud the unions that can see that if One group can be discriminated against...no one is safe. Gays fought for black civil rights and I was angrey that they did not stand with us on Proposition 8. Believe me those same people that hate us hate them too. Wake up America...They hate all us minorities. After they come for us...they'll come for you!!


  • Name: Joe
    Date posted: 2009-01-14 11:38 AM
    Hometown: Fort Worth

    Comment:

    My dad is in the CWA in TX. Their newsletters have shown support for equal rights for gays. There are a lot of "straight" organizations that will support us if we reach out to them. We're all in this together.


  • Name: Brian
    Date posted: 2009-01-13 9:50 PM
    Hometown: Anaheim, H

    Comment:

    Thank you to the unions. All of them for doing this. Sometimes I think we are isolated but then another group of predominantly straight people stand with us. It is truly great to know we have such wonderful allies and support. I will never forget and my vote will always be with you also.


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