The Socialist Party of Michigan, in State Convention assembled, reaffirms itself as an advocate of the super exploited and super oppressed, and appeals for the support and unity of all working people, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sex or sexuality, in opposing the so-called Marriage Amendment. This November working people will be asked to amend the State Constitution to restrict marriage to one man and one woman, to outlaw any and all forms of civil unions and domestic partnerships, effecting both hetero- and homosexual couples, and to end any and all benefits given to unmarried couples by governments, institutions and employers, again, including hetero- and homosexual couples.
As socialists, we stand with our gay and lesbian working class brothers and sisters in their struggle for the opportunity to marry. The state, as an assumed representative of the people, as a whole, should never restrict the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cornerstone of the United States Declaration of Independence, for all its people. The Fourteenth Amendment to the United State Constitution guarantees equal access to state services for all people. Therefore same-sex couples have the right to receive a marriage license and civil marriage ceremony from the state. We must defend this right and insist that it is protected. Let churches, mosques, synagogues, etc. dictate what shall constitute marriage within their respective faiths, and be free to accept or deny applicants, and let the state and its institutions recognize all marriages, regardless of people’s religion or sexuality.
As workers, we toil side-by-side everyday while we watch our wages be cut, our retirement benefits ransacked and our health care decreased. Let us not now use the power of the vote this November and take away the benefits of fellow working people and their families, and force our gay and lesbian co-workers deeper into the closet of poverty, harassment and oppression.
Straight, gay and lesbian workers of Michigan, unite in solidarity this November. Together we must stand firmly against the lies and maneuverings of theocrats, fascists and right-wing elements that have continually divided our class and pitted worker versus worker. Remember our history and our struggles, and remember the victories we have won when united. This is a victory we can and must win.