Mary Bonauto, Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) [was] among 20 individuals receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in a ceremony at the White House [on January 2].
The Presidential Citizens Medal is given out to Americans who “have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”
“It is an astonishing honor to receive this recognition, and to be in the company of other incredible individuals who have had such a significant impact on the lives of Americans,” said Bonauto. “The Presidential Citizens Medal represents something fundamental: that we each have a role to play in fulfilling our country’s promises of equality, dignity, and freedom. I stand alongside so many courageous individuals who fought for the right to marry, and others across our nation who share a deep desire that all of our community members be treated with fairness and dignity. This recognition today is a testament to the profoundly positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families, and communities across our country.”
The White House described Mary’s service and contributions in a statement to the press:
“Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.
“President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others,” the White House said in the statement. “The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice.”
“We are thrilled to see this well-deserved recognition for Mary, and for the positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families, and communities across the country.”
— from a GLAD Law press release
More: glad.org
[Evan Wolfson, founder of the nonprofit Freedom to Marry and who led the national strategy for legalizing same sex marriage, was also honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal.]
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