Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), has released an official statement commending U.S. President Obama for his historic support of marriage equality.

"This an economic and social justice issue – and that makes it a union issue," says Brother Hansen. "In the UFCW, we have a long and proud history of standing up for the fair and equal treatment of all workers – regardless of what they look like, where they come from, what language they speak, or who they love. These values are heartfelt. We work every day to fight discrimination against LGBT people on the job. It’s the right thing to do, and the fair thing to do. And I’m proud that the UFCW’s advocacy on behalf of families includes all families."

UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley echoed Hansen's comments and noted that “we must take these opportunities to acknowledge the courage of political leaders to support marriage equality and stand up for all working families regardless of their composition.”

In support of both Hansen's and Hanley' s statements, Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada, the country's LGBT Human Rights Organization and a UFCW Canada National Partner, made it clear that “this is a human rights issue that legitimizes LGBT families and gives the parents and their children a sense of belonging. President Obama has sent a message that LGBT families matter."