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Catania, Gansler to Receive Awards from Department of Justice LGBT Employees |
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Attorney General Holder to Join DOJ Pride to Honor Councilmember
Washington, D.C. – Later today, Councilmember David Catania (At Large) will receive the Gerald B. Roemer Community Service Award from the LGBT Employee Association at the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ Pride”). The Roemer Award is presented annually to recognize individuals that have made significant contributions to the LGBT community. Catania will be joined by Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, who will receive the James R. Douglas Award, and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
“I am very honored to receive the Gerald Roemer Community Service Award,” said Catania. “The successful campaign to achieve Marriage Equality in the District of Columbia was the result of the hard work of many people. The old saying, ‘many hands make light lifting,’ was never more true than when we began that effort more than a year ago. Thus, I will share this award with everyone who helped fight for equal marriage rights in the District.”
In 2009, Catania became the architect and driving force behind the fight to secure equal marriage rights for all District residents, including gays and lesbians. According to the Washington Post, Catania was faced with the daunting task of “convincing not only his council colleagues and Democrats in Congress but also skeptics in the gay community that this was the year to act on same-sex marriage.”[1] On March 3, 2010, marriage equality became a reality in the District, continuing the city’s long tradition as leader on issues of equality and human rights. The victory also cemented Catania’s reputation as a savvy leader capable of navigating a difficult political process, as well as an important figure in the national marriage equality movement.
The DOJ Pride Awards Ceremony will take place today at 11:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the United States Department of Justice (950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW).
[1] “Poised to Mark a Milestone,” Washington Post, December 15, 2009.
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