MD/DC State Fed Endorses Marriage Equality

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Saying that “The labor movement has a long and proud history of standing for justice for all workers,” the Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed the issue of marriage equality for same-sex couples at its recent convention. "Our organizing motto across the country has been that 'We Are One,'” said State Fed President Fred Mason (pictured at right), “Together, we are a stronger and more unified movement - and that serves to lift up all people." National Pride at Work Co-President Donna Cartwright, who is a Vice-President on the MD/DC AFL-CIO board, added that "While this year has been a time of deep struggle for working people and jobless workers, we have also witnessed some of the most profound moments of unity that I've seen," thanking the State Fed, Metro Washington Council, the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance -- as well as convention delegates -- for their support. “We are moved and grateful to see the labor movement standing as one with all LGBT workers,” Cartwright said. “This is what solidarity looks like." The endorsement followed action at the 2009 convention, when the State Fed adopted a resolution in support of employment nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. - photo of Fred Mason at State Fed meeting by Gwend Johnson