description Mary Bonauto Overview
Mary Bonauto is an American civil rights attorney recognized for her extensive legal advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. As a lawyer for the organization GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, she successfully argued Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, making Massachusetts the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003. She later presented the oral arguments in the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell v.
Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the entire United States.
help Mary Bonauto FAQ
What did Mary Bonauto argue in Obergefell v. Hodges?
Bonauto argued that same-sex couples had a constitutional right to marry and to have lawful marriages recognized across state lines. The Supreme Court issued its landmark ruling in 2015.
Which marriage case made Mary Bonauto prominent before Obergefell?
Bonauto was lead counsel in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health. The Massachusetts decision led the state to become the first in the United States to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004.
What organization did Mary Bonauto work for?
Bonauto spent much of her legal career with GLAD, formerly known as Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. Her work there included marriage, parental-rights, and other LGBTQ civil-rights litigation.
Was Mary Bonauto the only lawyer arguing for the couples in Obergefell?
No. Bonauto argued the question concerning the right to marry, while Douglas Hallward-Driemeier addressed state recognition of marriages performed elsewhere.
explore Explore More
Similar to Mary Bonauto
ui.x_see_all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
