WASHINGTON, May 9, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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.
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.
"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."
According to a 2010 Bendixen & Amandi poll, Latinos are broadly supportive of equality for LGBT people. 80% of Latinos believe that LGBT individuals often face discrimination.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12386