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McLaughlin v. U.S. Plaintiffs Receive Courage Award at SLDN National Dinner
For immediate release:
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Contact: Zeke Stokes
at 202-621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org
(Washington, D.C.) The plaintiffs in the landmark case, McLaughlin v. U.S., were honored tonight on stage at the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Twentieth Annual National Dinner and presented the Barry Winchell Courage Award for their work to advance equality for gay and lesbian military families. The award is named for Army Private First Class Barry Winchell, who was bludgeoned to death whil asleep in his barracks five years after the enactment of the now-repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law. His parents, Pat and Wally Kutteles, were on hand to help present the award alongside SLDN co-founder Michelle Benecke.
"Tonight, the plaintiffs in this case stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. They are each courageous to be engaged in this fight at this time," said Benecke.
SLDN and the law firm, Chadbourne & Parke, represent the married service member and veteran plaintiffs, who brought the lawsuit in October 2011 seeking equal recognition, support, and benefits for their families. The suit challenges the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and other federal statutes that prevent the military from providing equal support to all families.
"The people on this stage came together for a common purpose - to help ensure equal recognition, support, and benefits for our families - and for all military families. We all take the same risks, provide the same service, make the same sacrifices," said retired Army Colonel Stewart Bornhoft, who accepted the award on behalf of the group along with lead plaintiff, Major Shannon McLaughlin of the Massacusetts National Guard.
Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan of the New Hampshire National Guard, a plaintiff who is battling incurable stage IV breast cancer, also spoke of her fight and what's at stake in the case. Her wife, Karen, is ineligible for health, survivor, and social security benefits should CW2 Morgan not win her battle with cancer.
"I am a soldier. But I'm also a wife and mother. And I am standing up for what I know is right and what I know is fair. It's exactly what my training in the Army has taught me to do," said Morgan.
For a full list of the plaintiffs and more information about the case, click here.
