President Obama Announces Support for Same-sex Marriage

May 9, 2012

Contact: Paloma Zuleta, pzuleta@lulac.org
202-812-4477

LULAC has Long Supported Our LGBT Members in the Efforts to Achieve Equality

Washington, D.C. – The League of United Latin American Citizens, the largest and oldest Latino membership organization in the United States, expressed its support of President Obama’s statement. LULAC has long supported equal rights for LGBT individuals.

“Family unity has been one the greatest strengths of Latino communities in the United States,” stated Margaret Moran, LULAC National President.

According to a 2010 Bendixen & Amandi poll, Latinos are broadly supportive of equality for LGBT people. LULAC has long welcomed LGBT individuals into our membership. In 2006, the first LGBT LULAC Council was established in Dallas, Texas to foster dialogue between Latino and LGBT communities. In fact, 80% of Latinos believe that LGBT individuals often face discrimination.

“We have witnessed firsthand how painful it can be when LGBT partners are denied the rights and benefits of marriage,” stated LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes. “From hospital visitation rights to spousal benefits, too many of our LGBT members have been treated unfairly and we welcome the President’s efforts to address this.”

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The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 900 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.lulac.org