Unions in Maryland Back Marriage Equality

http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/13899/unions_in_maryland_back_marriage_equality/

Tuesday Sep 25, 2012 10:30 am
Unions in Maryland Back Marriage Equality
By Bruce Vail

BALTIMORE -- With a historic referendum on marriage equality on the state ballot in November, Maryland labor unions are organizing in support of gay marriage and may even provide the margin for victory in a close race.

Maryland legislators passed a marriage equality law in a close vote earlier this year, but opponents quickly mobilized signatures on a petition to have the law rejected in a statewide referendum. Polling has revealed shifting public sentiment on the issue, and both sides have geared up for a serious contest.

“Labor is a very strong partner,” in the campaign to approve the law, says Kevin Nix, press secretary for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, a coalition of groups supporting the new law. Unions are currently involved in grass roots organizing, Nix says, and are expected to take a higher profile as election day gets closer.

“The campaign will cost millions. It’s a huge effort...but I believe it will pass,” adds Fred Mason, president of Maryland State & District of Columbia AFL-CIO.

FULL story at link.