Stuart Appelbaum, President
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU/UFCW)
Statewide
"Over the course of the last 25 years, working people have witnessed an onslaught of attacks on civil rights laws and the communities they help protect. These attacks have routinely been led by well-funded conservative interest groups who have coupled their assault on civil rights in the courts and legislative arenas with efforts to demonize religious minorities, lesbians and gays, immigrants and people of color. But the RWDSU is committed to continue the struggle for human rights including the right to marry for same-sex couples in New York. And the RWDSU opposes the enactment of laws that would prohibit that right, such as the so-called 'Federal Marriage Amendment'."
Robert Madore, Director
Region 9A, United Auto Workers (UAW)
Statewide
"I have worked all my life protecting workers rights and feel strongly that people should be free to life there lives as they wish. I wholeheartly support diversity and feel strongly that no matter what your sexual orientation, equality should be demanded."
New York State Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson
"We must continue to fight to help ensure that same-sex couples are afforded the right to marry. It is, quite simply, the fair and just thing to do. No one should be denied equality or basic fundamental protections under the law."
Bruce Raynor, President
UNITE HERE*
* for identification only
"I support the Marriage Equality campaign as a union leader because I have dedicated my entire working life to fighting against injustice and discrimination in any and all forms. I am proud to stand with my brothers and sisters at Empire State Pride in support of this important struggle."
Dennis Rivera, President
1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
“While members of SEIU 1199 have a variety of views about marriage, according to their personal or religious beliefs, it is a fundamental, uniting principle of our organization that all people are entitled to equal rights. We therefore support the right of same-sex couples to access the full and equal rights, responsibilities and economic benefits of civil marriage and oppose laws and constitutional amendments that deny that right.”
Chris Shelton, Vice President
District One, Communication Workers of America (CWA)
"As trade unionists, we believe all workers are entitled to a discrimination-free workplace with full parity in benefits, pay, and fair treatment outside of the job, including gay and lesbian workers. The U.S. General Accounting Office has documented more than 1,000 federal benefits and protections accorded by civil marriage. The Communications Workers of America supports the rights of all our members to access the full and equal rights of civil marriage."
New York State Governor Elliot Spitzer
“I have always strongly believed that loving couples of the same sex deserve the freedom to marry. Marriage equality will strengthen families, which is in the best interest of our society—and our children’s future."