SCARIEST GRAPH EVER FOR N.O.M. AND OPPONENTS OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Rochester, N.Y.-- We at the CSEA Voice Reporter have always been out in front of the issues we think are most important to the labor movement and progressive communities.  The ability of same-sex couples to have the same benefits as their straight co-workers gets to the heart and essence of what labor activism is all about-- making significant and meaningful change in the lives of the families we represent.

Here in New York State, the haters are already out in full force-- namely the group who call themselves the National Organization For Marriage (NOM). 

The labor community and it's progressive partners are pushing once and for all to pass a marriage equality bill this legislative session.  New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo is putting all his weight behind this initiative, although groups like NOM have tons of money to spread lies and mis-truths about the reality of inequality that exists for those working families who find themselves without legal protections that only a legal marriage can provide.

At its core, the push for marriage equality is simply about making the day-to-day lives of same-sex couples and their families manageable and secure. All families deserve the ability to protect themselves with basic legal rights and safeguards such as Social Security, health insurance and unquestioned hospital visitation.

Bess Watts
photo:  Janice Gavin

Bess Watts, Local 828 president and president of the local chapter of Pride At Work, AFL-CIO, says only marriage can provide families with true equality and has been arguing that this initiative has always been labor's fight.

Watts told the Voice Reporter, "When we say we advocate for all our members, we mean it. All means all. However, this should not diminish our work to include language in our collective bargaining agreements to honor domestic partnerships and other forms of relationship recognition, though limited, which provides important first steps and tangible protections for all our working families."

To get involved or read more about the status of LGBT worker rights in New York State, you can go here to the Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter of the Pride At Work blogspot or facebook page.