The SIPTU Meath District Council endorsed the union’s ‘Yes Equality’ campaign for marriage equality at a meeting in the Dan Shaw Centre, Navan, county Meath, on Tuesday, 24th March. The meeting heard presentations on the reasons why the union is calling for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Civil Marriage Equality Referendum from SIPTU activists. SIPTU Meath District Council vice-chair, Tina O’Brien, said: “Equality is a core value of the trade union movement. Winning this referendum will ensure that workers in same sex relationships will stand a better chance of being valued as equal citizens.” She added: “This fight is part of the wider struggle that must be fought for all workers if we are to achieve fairness and justice in our society.” The meeting was attended by SIPTU representatives from private, public and community sector workplaces as well as retired members. SIPTU College tutor and ‘Yes Equality’ committee member, Margaret de Courcey, said: “Activists at the meeting were keenly aware of the urgent task of getting people registered to vote and also active in the SIPTU campaign. The union is fighting for a ‘Yes’ vote, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also to ensure greater equality for the estimated 15,000 SIPTU members who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender. “What we are saying is we will not accept our colleagues being discriminated against and that everyone should have the right to marry whoever they choose.” SIPTU Meath District Council secretary, John Regan, said: “The ‘Yes Equality’ campaign has been a major success so far with SIPTU members clearly showing their support for the union’s principled position. What we need now is for members, their families, friends and neighbours in Meath to show their support for civil marriage and come out and vote ‘Yes’ on polling day.”
SIPTU Meath District Council says ‘Yes’ to Equality
