Teamsters opens
doors to gay members

At the Teamsters 27th International Convention on Tuesday it was announced that the union was amending its constitution to prohibit membership discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The Teamsters constitution already prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, physical ability, and national origin.

Along with the pro-gay antidiscriminatory provision was an amendment cementing the union's dedication to increasing diversity. The new portion reads, "The International Union is proud of its history of unifying a diverse group of working men and women from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds in order to advance their economic social and political interests. We are committed to the development of an organization which values and encourages the participation of women, individuals of various sexual orientations, and members of racial, cultural, and ethnic groups in the policymaking and leadership roles at all levels of the International Union and its affiliated bodies."

Teamsters general president Jim Hoffa said, "These changes to our constitution make the Teamsters one of the most progressive unions in the American labor movement. I am proud that our great union has taken these important steps to protect and defend our members. These actions show that the Teamsters are truly united in moving forward together." (The Advocate)