Freedom Center recognizes civil rights champion

The New York Times reported that National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will honor Jim Obergefell on Oct. 22 with its Everyday Freedom Hero award which recognizes people and organizations that strive to live up to the ideals of the Underground Railroad movement.

Obergefell was the lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that led to the legalization of same sex marriage in 2015 as he  battled to have his marriage with his dying partner John Arthur legally recognized in Obergefell v. Hodges. The Everyday Freedom Hero Award presentation is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested as seating is limited.

The Everyday Freedom Hero Award  was created to recognize individuals and organizations who strive to live up to the ideals of the Underground Railroad movement—courage, cooperation and perseverance, while using one’s resources for the wellbeing and betterment of their community.

After marrying John, his partner of more than 20 years, who was dying of ALS, they decided to file suit against the state of Ohio to demand recognition of their lawful Maryland marriage on John’s impending death certificate.

Read more here.
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