RIGHTS OF GAY, LESBIAN AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers is proud of the place it traditionally has held at the vanguard of the human rights movement; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers recognizes the struggles of gay, lesbian and bisexual people to obtain equal rights and to end the prejudice and discrimination that they often face in a primarily heterosexual society; and

WHEREAS, we are aware that many of our colleagues, our students, our clients, our patients, and members of their families are gay, lesbian or bisexual or are involved in self-awareness issues related to their sexual identities:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers support the immediate end of all discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual people wherever that discrimination may exist; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers condemn acts that deny gay, lesbian and bisexual people the same rights and opportunities afforded the heterosexual population; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers encourage its member locals to negotiate contractual language to protect the rights of gay, lesbian and bisexual members, including spousal benefits for the domestic partners of these members; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers support the spirit of this resolution by refraining until thorough investigation and careful consideration are given from future scheduling of conventions and conferences in any town, city or state that has since 1980 criminalized consensual gay and lesbian sex or has enforced laws or codes that allow discrimination against gay, lesbian or bisexual people, unless such legislation has been found unconstitutional or the town, city or state has been legally enjoined from enforcing it.