League of United Latin American Citizens passes freedom to marry resolution
July 02, 2012
On Saturday, at its annual National Convention and Exposition in Orlando, the board of the League of United Latin American Citizens approved a resolution supporting the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.
Freedom to Marry's founder and president, Evan Wolfson, applauded LULAC for their endorsement. He said:
Today's vote by the League of United Latino American Citizens in favor of the freedom to marry reflects LULAC's longstanding support for inclusion and equality, and mirrors the values of a growing majority of Latinos in this country who know that every gay or lesbian person is part of someone's family - a son or daughter, a brother or sister, a loved one - and no family members should face discrimination when they hope to marry the person they love. Latino gay couples seek the freedom to marry to affirm and strengthen their love and commitment and their ability to take care of each other and their families; government should not be putting barriers in their way. Freedom to Marry applauds LULAC's strong stand for justice and looks forward to working together to secure the freedom to marry for all gay and lesbian Latinos, and all Americans.
LULAC has been a longtime supporter of the LGBT community. Although its focus is advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health and civil rights of Latin Americans, its community programs often extend into the LGBT community. LULAC's "Rainbow Council" launched in 2006 to forge connections between Latino and LGBT Americans, and in 2008 and 2009, the organization released a resolution in support of the repeal of the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy.
The decision from LULAC comes in the same month that another prominent Latino group, the National Council of La Raza, announced their support for the freedom to marry. Taken together, the endorsements are indicative of mounting support from Latinos in the United States. Latinos have consistently supported the freedom to marry - both nationwide and in key states. An April 2012 study from the Pew Hispanic Center found that 59 percent of Latinos in the United States say homosexuality should be accepted by society, and a March 2011 study suggested that 67 percent of Latino Catholics support legal recognition for same-sex couples. Read more about Latino support for the freedom to marry on our Latino community page.
The Latino community understands the importance of strong families, and it widely realizes that marriage is the best way to protect all couples. Freedom to Marry thanks the League of United Latin American Citizens for this new step forward in their already-strong support of the freedom to marry.