President Biden Awards Presidential Citizens Medal to LGBTQ+ Advocates Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson

President Biden Awards Presidential Citizens Medal to LGBTQ+ Advocates Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson

In a ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to society, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to two prominent figures in the movement for marriage equality, Mary Bonauto and Evan Wolfson. This prestigious award, considered the second highest civilian honor in the United States, acknowledges their remarkable efforts and dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

The Presidential Citizens Medal, established by President Richard Nixon in 1969, is bestowed upon individuals who have performed exemplary deeds or provided significant services to their country or fellow citizens. The recognition of Bonauto and Wolfson underscores the profound impact that their work has had on the lives of countless Americans and the nation as a whole.

Mary Bonauto: Pioneering Advocate for Marriage Equality

Mary Bonauto has been at the forefront of legal battles for marriage equality in the United States. As the senior director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), Bonauto played a critical role in the landmark Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which effectively legalized same-sex marriage across all 50 states in 2015. Her advocacy began much earlier, as she tirelessly argued for the legalization of same-sex marriage in northeastern states such as Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maine.

In a statement following the ceremony, Bonauto expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, "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. 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."

She further emphasized the collective effort that went into achieving marriage equality, saying, "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."

Evan Wolfson: Architect of the Freedom to Marry Movement

Evan Wolfson, founder of the civil rights organization Freedom to Marry, has been a pivotal figure in the nationwide strategy to secure marriage rights for same-sex couples. His journey began over 32 years ago with a law school thesis on the subject, and culminated in the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage following the 2015 Supreme Court decision.

Wolfson's approach involved building widespread support across the United States, advocating for change in as many states as possible, and ultimately laying the groundwork for the Supreme Court’s historic ruling. His dedication and strategic vision were instrumental in transforming public opinion and securing the freedom to marry for millions of Americans.

In his statement, Wolfson reflected on the significance of the award, saying, "This Medal is a tribute to the transformative, democratic work we all did together, and to the power of hope, strategy, determination, and love. As we prepare to mark 10 years since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling ensuring 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, and for the LGBTQ community and American people as a whole."

Recognition Among Other Notable Recipients

In addition to Bonauto and Wolfson, other recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal included Congressman Bennie Thompson and former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, recognized for their roles in investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Frank Butler received the award for his contributions to tourniquet usage standards, and Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi was honored for her opposition to the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Eleanor Smeal was celebrated for her leadership in women's rights advocacy.

This year's honorees reflect a diverse array of achievements and contributions, highlighting the values of equality, justice, and civic responsibility that the Presidential Citizens Medal embodies.

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