SPEAKER BOB GILLIGAN - LGBT PIONEER AWARD PRESENTED AT SOLD OUT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
Delaware State House Speaker Robert Gilligan was presented the Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats' LGBT Pioneer Award at Stonewall's annual fundraiser on October 1st. The award, presented by Stonewall Political VP Peter Schott, is in recognition of Gilligan's major role in guiding the recently-enacted civil union bill to passage in the state house. While formerly "moderate" Republicans fled from their history of support for progressive social legislation and voted against the Bill, or left the state to avoid voting, Speaker Gilligan delivered all but two members of the Democratic caucus and beat down all amendments designed to destroy the bill. Words of praise for Gilligan were also voiced by House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf as well as Governor Jack Markell and United States Senator Tom Carper. Many members of the state legislature were also present to honor the Speaker and support Stonewall.
This year's event was held at Mariachi Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach where the overflow crowd on the second floor and ocean view balcony enjoyed great food, conversation and celebration of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at the federal level, and the enactment of Civil Unions in the State of Delaware.
Barbara Gittings Delaware Stonewall Democrats' president Mitch Crane thanked the assembled members and supporters for their continued support of the efforts of the organization and reminded them that monies raised would help fund the Stonewall Political Action Committee towards continued efforts to elect and retain Democrats in Delaware who are in support of Stonewall's mission.
