Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw

The latest episode of The State of Belief features two incredible guests: attorneys Mary Bonauto, a trailblazer in the fight for marriage equality who serves as Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies at GLADLaw, and Ben Marcus, Senior Constitutional Law Fellow at GLADLaw. Together, they share invaluable insights on the current landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the wake of recent legal challenges.

Here are just three of the themes that stood out:

• The Resilience of Marriage Equality: Mary reflects on the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Kim Davis's attempt to challenge Obergefell v. Hodges (which Mary argued before the high court in 2015). Despite the fears surrounding the potential reversal of marriage equality, the unanimous decision from the Court signals a strong commitment to protecting the rights of same-sex couples. Mary emphasizes that the societal benefits of marriage—providing stability and protection for families—are too significant to overlook. This reinforces the idea that marriage equality is not just a legal issue but a fundamental aspect of human dignity and community well-being.
• The Role of Religious Communities: Ben highlights that not all religious individuals oppose LGBTQ+ rights. In fact, many religious communities are allies, advocating for equality and inclusion. This challenges the narrative that LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom are inherently oppositional. By fostering dialogue within religious spaces, we can create a more inclusive environment that respects diverse identities and beliefs, ultimately enriching our communities.
• The Urgent Need for Advocacy in Education: Both Mary and Ben stress the critical situation facing LGBTQ+ youth, particularly transgender individuals, in schools. With increasing hostility and discrimination, many students are forced to seek education outside of traditional settings. This underscores the need for robust anti-discrimination policies and supportive educational environments. As advocates, we must work tirelessly to ensure that all students feel safe and valued in their schools, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned with understanding the complexities of LGBTQ+ rights in today's society. Join us as we explore these pressing issues and discuss how we can all contribute to a more equitable future.

More about the guests:

Attorney Mary Bonauto has been with GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLADLaw) since 1990. She first fought for marriage equality in Massachusetts, as lead counsel in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health.  She won, making that the first state to allow same-sex couples to marry, in 2004. In 2015, Mary was one of three attorneys who successfully argued before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, leading to the expansion of the right to marry to all 50 states. Mary is a 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, and this past January, she received the Presidential Citizens Medal in a White House ceremony.

Ben Marcus is an attorney and Senior Constitutional Law Fellow at GLADLaw, the leading LGTBQ+ legal services and civil rights organization. Ben has a deep interest in the relationship between religion and law, with a JD from Yale Law School and a master’s from Harvard Divinity School. Ben has held multiple positions at the Freedom Forum since 2015.

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