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Highlights of DignityUSA's History: 2003

The following history is based on the commemorative booklet entitled DignityUSA at 25: A Chronology, 1969-1994 compiled by former DignityUSA President Pat Roche. Copies are available from the Dignity national office and were also printed in the Dignity Journal 27:2-3 (Autumn 1995). Highlights from 1995-Present compiled by former Dignity Vice President Pat McArron.

  • In Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court takes a stand for GLBT people in a 6-3 decision. DignityUSA filed an amicus brief in support of overturning its controversial 1986 Hardwick decision.

  • DignityUSA denounces "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons," a Vatican document instructing Catholic politicians and the public on opposing legal protections for same-sex couples.

  • On July 31, DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy appears on a PBS panel to discuss the same-gender marriange issue.

  • On August 15, National Catholic Reporter interviews DignityUSA leaders in an article on the same-gender marriage debate.

  • DignityUSA hires Matthew Gallagher as new executive director.

  • Philippe LaChance, elected by your national Board of Directors as treasurer beginning October 1, resigns his position on the board as of December 1.

  • On November 18, leaders of DignityUSA express their joy about a historic decision in Massachusetts' highest court ruling that same-sex couples are legally entitled to marry under the state constitution.

  • Joseph Giordano is appointed new treasurer effective Decem

  • DignityUSA’s Sixteenth Biennial Convention is held in Las Vegas