Labour’s Solidarity for Pride
The labour movement is proud of the role we have played in furthering the struggle for equal rights for our members and their families who are part of the GLBT communities. We stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in celebration of Pride this year.
Though-out the year we have stood with the GLBT communities to fight for equal marriage. In 2005 our affiliates continue to strengthen workplace rights and benefits and expand on union education. We supported the Canadian Labour Congress campaign which distributed more than 10,000 buttons with the message: I Do! Support Equality.
Many union leaders and members have supported this key human rights initiative with intensive lobbying efforts in their communities across the country On June 14, at the CLC’s national convention in Montreal, delegates unanimously passed a resolution calling on the federal government to pass same-sex marriage legislation immediately.
We are lobbing for strong hate crimes legislation, and we are working with the Federal NDP for and the inclusion of gender identity in the Canadian Human Rights Act. In Ontario we have made the same demand of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.
We have much to celebrate. We also know that legal equality is one step -our next is social equality. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of our communities continue to face homophobia and transphobia in their daily lives. We must continue to work together in solidarity to end discrimination.
Come out and celebrate Pride and continue to show labour’s solidarity for equality, justice and dignity for our GLBT sisters and brothers.
In solidarity and pride,
Wayne Samuelson, President
Ontario Federation of Labour
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Tuesday, June 28, 2005