Equality For All

by: Ann Twomey, HPAE

Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 02:35:32 PM EST

Ann Twomey is President of HPAE - Health Professionals and Allied Employees, the union representing more than 12,000 nurses, social workers, therapists, technicians, medical researchers and other health care professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies, blood banks and university research facilities in both New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Twomey represents the largest health care union in New Jersey. And her message is also posted on the HPAE website, for all her members to read. Thank you, Ann- - Promoted from the diaries by Rosi

The NJ State legislature is considering the Marriage Equality bill. I hope they pass it. There are strong views that support marriage equality and strong views that oppose it. Some say - stay out of it - it's too controversial. But controversy should not be the reason for inaction.

In our workplaces we would never allow our colleagues to be subjected to unfair treatment from our employers. As union members, we bargain contracts to make sure everyone is treated fairly without discrimination- and we take that mission seriously, backing it up with our collective strength. It;s a matter of fairness and equal treatment. Unions like ours have always been at the forefront of battles to expand civil rights and equal rights for all Americans.

That's why I think it is important for me, as president of HPAE to speak out in favor of marriage equality. It is both personal and political to me. Below is a description of what happened to one of our members.

Ann Twomey, HPAE :: Equality For All

Laura was an HPAE member who exchanged marriage vows with her partner, Lisa. They bought a home and were thrilled when Lisa became pregnant. Lisa gave birth to a baby girl. Laura legally adopted her. The law allows a child to be adopted without regard to gender of the parents. However, the marriage was not recognized by the state.

Tragedy entered their family when Lisa became ill and subsequently died. Fortunately, the baby still had her other Mom, or did she? Lisa's parents filed for custody of their granddaughter with the intention of removing her from Laura. They also made claim to the house and all financial assets. They could do this because Lisa and Laura were not legally married. The legal battle was difficult and hurtful. In the end, Laura retained custody of her daughter, but lost the house and assets.

Just as we would find it intolerable to allow a colleague to be treated differently or less fairly in our workplaces because of their gender, age, race or sexual orientation, so should we find it intolerable to refuse them the same rights we hold so precious in American society - full recognition of marriage and family life.

This is not about religion, and the law currently under debate in the NJ Legislature would have no impact on the rights of any religious leader to perform or refuse to perform a marriage ceremony. This is about offering every couple who wishes to marry the full legal rights to marry, along with the obligations that accompany marriage.

It was not that long ago when women were not permitted to vote and our schools were segregated by race. We can see these past injustices so clearly now. The denial of rights then and now were based on prejudice and fear.

If we believe that the civil rights of individuals should not limited by race, gender, or religion, how can we deny them based on sexual orientation? Simply, we can't.