A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
_______
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
_______
To Honor the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary and to recognize the distinguished citizens and organizations to which it will pay tribute at its anniversary reception
WHEREAS, the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance of Washington, DC (GLAA) was founded in April 1971 to advance the cause of equal rights and social equality for lesbians and gay men living in the District of Columbia through peaceful participation in the political process; and
WHEREAS, GLAA ranks as the oldest continuously active gay and lesbian rights organization in the country; and
WHEREAS, GLAA has long fought to improve District government services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities, from the police and fire departments to the Department of Health and the Office of Human Rights; and
WHEREAS, GLAA has educated District voters by rating candidates for Mayor, Council, and Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, GLAA has been an outspoken advocate for a safe and affirming educational environment for gay and lesbian youth; and
WHEREAS, GLAA has participated in lobbying efforts to defeat undemocratic and discriminatory amendments to the District’s budget.
WHEREAS, GLAA has been a leader in advancing the rights of same-sex couples and their families in the District, including cooperation with D.C. officials to craft an effective legislative strategy; and
WHEREAS, GLAA, at its 35th Anniversary Reception on April 20, 2006, will present its Distinguished Service Awards to several individuals and organizations who have helped advance the causes and concerns of lesbians and gay men in the District of Columbia, specifically:
- D.C. Councilmember Phil Mendelson;
- ACLU/NCA Legal Director Art Spitzer;
- Metro Weekly publisher Randy Shulman;
- Metropolitan Community Church of Washington; and
- Photojournalist Patsy Lynch
BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this Resolution may be cited as the "Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance 35th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2006."
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes GLAA on the occasion of its 35th Anniversary Reception on April 20, 2006 and thanks its members for their long record of dedicated service that has advanced the welfare not only of the gay and lesbian community but of the entire population of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. The resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.