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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2008
CONTACT:
Blinker Wood
(323) 434-5733
bwood@seiu-uhw.org


UHW applaudes CA Supreme Court decision to overturn ban on same-sex marraige

CALIFORNIA – The following statement was issued today by SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West on the California Supreme Court decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage:

SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West (UHW) applauds the California Supreme Court’s historic decision that declares the ban on same-sex marriage unjust and unconstitutional. The ruling sends a loud and clear message that discrimination based on sexual orientation will not be tolerated by the state.

UHW This decision strengthens gay and lesbian families throughout California who no longer will be excluded from the legal protections granted through marriage.

We congratulate the courageous couples who brought this case to court and thank San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and City Attorney Dennis Herrera for their tremendous leadership.

“Today’s California Supreme Court decision is a historic step forward in the struggle for equal civil rights,” said Maya Morris, surgical coordinator at St. Francis Hospital in San Francisco.  “Any committed relationship, between two adults, should be recognized as valid. This ruling confirms that ALL couples should be granted the privileges and respect that’s awarded through legal marriage.”

Unfortunately, the opponents of equal rights for gay, lesbian and bisexual couples are already working to overturn this decision through a divisive ballot initiative that may go before California voters in November. But today, our focus is on this significant victory for the gay and lesbian community and for everyone who believes in justice, respect, and equality.

“We will organize against any initiative that attempts to roll back our right to marry. The people of California understand it’s only fair for gay and lesbian couples to have the same right to marry and establish a family as anyone else,” said Michael Torres, a respiratory therapist at USC University Hospital and Chair of the UHW Lavender Caucus.


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With more than 150,000 members, SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West is the fastest-growing healthcare union in the United States. We represent healthcare workers in all job classifications and all healthcare settings, including hospitals, homecare, nursing homes and clinics. Our mission is to achieve high-quality healthcare for all.