Joint Statement of Pride@Work Executive Director Jerame Davis and New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on LGBTQ History Month

This month, we celebrate LGBTQ History Month; a time to honor all who have come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally and the contributions to culture, arts, and civic engagement. Yet during this celebration, we must not ignore the fact that LGBTQ rights are under attack at the federal level. Now, more than ever, we need to protect those rights here in New York State, where we have some of the strongest protections in the country for LGBTQ people. One way to do that is by opposing a Constitutional Convention by voting “No” on Prop 1 onNovember 7. A convention would open up our constitution to the risk of an amendment to allow for discrimination against LGBTQ New Yorkers and others. It's a risk we cannot take. The Labor Movement fights to ensure a better life for all working people. Many of the protections we fought for including: workers compensation, unemployment insurance, the eight hour workday, and the right to collectively bargain, are all protected by our state constitution. LGBTQ working people are protected by contract language that is collectively bargained. So, as we celebrate this important month, to raise awareness of the LGBTQ community, we must also ensure we don't give entrenched politicians and their lobbyists' access to a process that could take way important protections for all hardworking New Yorkers.