The Honorable Harry Reid,

As you know, the culinary workers in Nevada, along with the members of UNITE HERE across the country, were delighted that you won another term. We were pleased to join in that winning effort. You have always been our friend, and we yours. We're in this for the long haul, to make America a just and fair nation that offers equal opportunity for everyone, just as it did for you and for so many of our members.

I write now to thank you for your courageous leadership on two issues very close to the heart of our Union and its members: the Dream Act and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. UNITE HERE sees full equality for immigrants and LGBT people not only as matters of economic justice, but as fundamental in affirming the basic dignity and respect of all Americans. We cannot be a first-class country with second-class rights for some Americans.

UNITE HERE has long stood with the LGBT community. We were among the first unions in the country to call for the passage of full federal civil rights for LGBT people. Many of our members and their families are affected by discriminatory laws such as Don't Ask, Don't Tell that cast LGBT people as second-class citizens and weaken the nation. Senator, we want you to know that we support you and the president in lifting the ban on DADT in the lame duck session. We cannot afford to wait when so many lives are at stake. We thank you for your support of this and full equality of LGBT people.

We know it will not be an easy battle, but be assured of UNITE HERE's unwavering support of your leadership in this important fight, both here in Nevada and across the country.

Sincerely,
D. Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union, Local 226

 Share on Facebook

Share on MySpace!

    Share on Delicious

Share on StumbleUpon!