D.C. Council honors GLAA's 38th anniversary

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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To Honor the Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance on the occasion of its 38th 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 for gay people in the District of Columbia through peaceful participation in the political process; and

WHEREAS, GLAA ranks as the oldest continuously active gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights organization in the country; and

WHEREAS, GLAA has long fought to improve District government services to GLBT people, 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 and Council; and

WHEREAS, GLAA has been an outspoken advocate for a safe and affirming educational environment for sexual minority youth; and

WHEREAS, GLAA has participated in lobbying efforts to defeat undemocratic and discriminatory amendments to the District’s budget; and

WHEREAS, GLAA has been a leader in advancing the rights of same-sex couples and their families in the District, including working with D.C. officials to craft an effective legislative strategy; and

WHEREAS, GLAA has provided leadership in coalition efforts on a wide range of public issues from family rights to condom availability in prisons and public schools to police accountability; and

WHEREAS, GLAA, at its 38th Anniversary Reception on April 22, 2009, will present its Distinguished Service Awards to several individuals and organizations who have served the GLBT community in the District of Columbia, specifically:

BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this Resolution may be cited as the "Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance 38th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2009."

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia salutes GLAA on the occasion of its 38th Anniversary Reception on April 22, 2009 and thanks its members for their long record of dedicated service that has advanced the welfare not only of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender 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.