CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Mayor David P. Maher announced today that Attorney Mary L. Bonauto, the preeminent civil rights lawyer for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities, will be the keynote speaker at the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Same Sex Marriage at Cambridge City Hall.
“Cambridge was the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses due to the incredible efforts of Mary Bonauto as lead counsel in the Goodridge case. We are honored to host this celebration and I am especially proud that Attorney Bonauto will be our keynote speaker,” said Mayor Maher. “I cannot think of a more fitting person to celebrate this occasion in Cambridge.” [pullquote]“Cambridge was the first city in the United States to issue marriage licenses due to the incredible efforts of Mary Bonauto as lead counsel in the Goodridge case. We are honored to host this celebration and I am especially proud that Attorney Bonauto will be our keynote speaker,” said Mayor Maher.[/pullquote]
“It will be thrilling to be back at Cambridge City Hall to celebrate the historic Goodridge decision and the enormous progress in the nation 10 years later,” said Mary Bonauto, attorney at Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD). Currently the Civil Rights Project Director at GLAD, Attorney Bonauto was the lead counsel in the Goodridge v. Dept of Public Health case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision which held that prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples is unconstitutional. A pioneer in the fight for same sex marriage, Attorney Bonauto continues to advocate for same sex couples and has been a leader in New England and throughout the country in defending the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
“A decade ago, Cambridge and the Commonwealth set the nation on its course toward full marriage equality. This is a day to celebrate victories won and a day to reaffirm our country’s fundamental promise. Every American family deserves equality, dignity and opportunity regardless of who they love,” said Congresswoman Katherine Clark, who has also confirmed her attendance at the event. Congresswoman Clark joins members of the Cambridge City Council, members of the Cambridge State Delegation as well as former Mayors and City Administrators to celebrate this occasion at City Hall.
Mayor Maher, the City of Cambridge, MassEquality, GLAD and the Cambridge GLBT Commission will welcome the public to the 10th Anniversary celebration by opening City Hall at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 16th with refreshments and musical performances by Voices Rising and Cambridge Rindge & Latin Students. Couples may begin the evening by taking their marriage vows or renewal of vows. A short film of the first marriages in Cambridge will be on display and many couples who filed their intentions to marry at midnight, May 16th, 2004, will also be present for the celebration. [pullquote]Couples may begin the evening by taking their marriage vows or renewal of vows. A short film of the first marriages in Cambridge will be on display and many couples who filed their intentions to marry at midnight, May 16th, 2004, will also be present for the celebration. [/pullquote]
The speaking program, featuring Attorney Bonauto, will begin at 6:00 p.m. and at the conclusion, couples may continue to have marriage and renewal ceremonies performed until 7:30 p.m.
Couples who wish to take or renew their vows during this celebration and should contact Mayor Maher’s Office at (617) 349-4321 or mayor@cambridgema.gov for more information.
Ceremonies will take place throughout City Hall or on the City Hall lawn (weather permitting). City Hall will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for this event only.
This event is open to the public.
[From a News Release]
