Mary Bonauto Presidential Citizen Medal

Mary Bonauto the architect of marriage equality in this country & GLAD Law’s Senior Director of Civil Rights & Legal Strategies was among the 20 individuals receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal in a ceremony at the White House. Mary first fought to legalize marriage equality in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut & Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Bonauto stated, “It is an astonishing honor to receive this recognition & to be in the company of other incredible individuals who have had such a significant impact on the lives of Americans. The Presidential Citizens Medal represents something fundamental: that we each have a role to play in fulfilling our country’s promises of equality, dignity & freedom. I stand alongside so many courageous individuals who fought for the right to marry & others across our nation who share a deep desire that all of our community members be treated with fairness & dignity. This recognition today is a testament to the profoundly positive impact marriage equality has had on individuals, families & communities across our country.” Another attorney & LGBTQ advocate recipient was Evan Wolfson who also was on the forefront for marriage equality. Wolfson concluded, “As we prepare to mark 10 years since the US Supreme Court ruling ensured marriage for same-sex couples nationwide, I’m honored to see the profoundly positive impact that the freedom to marry has had for so many families across the country & for the LGBTQ community & American people as a whole.” Liz Cheney was also honored. Photo Credit John Huet