Idaho Navy veteran Madelynn “Lee” Taylor, 75, was honored with the Courage Award for her work standing up to the state’s discriminatory laws banning marriage equality and calling attention to the need for anti-discrimination laws by taking part in sit-ins at the State Capitol. The Tennessee marriage equality plaintiff couples and attorneys received the Justice Award, just days after their hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court that could result in a nationwide marriage equality victory.
“Every single one of our honorees has demonstrated incredible courage and perseverance in their quest to help the entire LGBT community achieve full equality,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “Tonight’s celebration has left our supporters encouraged and devoted to NCLR’s ongoing success, and their backing leaves the NCLR board and staff invigorated for the challenges ahead to bring the full promise of equality to every member of our community.”
The plaintiffs in the Tennessee marriage case who will receive the Justice Award are Dr. Valeria Tanco and Dr. Sophy Jesty, Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Ijpe DeKoe and Thom Kostura, and Matthew Mansell and Johno Espejo. The attorney honorees are Abby Rubenfeld, Maureen Holland, and Regina Lambert, and the law firms of Sherrard & Roe PLC and Ropes & Gray LLP.
“We are humbled to be recognized by NCLR and the LGBT community,” said Tanco, who has a one-year-old daughter with Jesty. “We never would have imagined two years ago that we would be part of this moment and we are honored that we are helping advance marriage equality across the country. We are eternally grateful to our attorneys and the staff of NCLR for taking on our case and for all the work they do to bring full equality to every member of our community.”
Courage Award recipient Lee Taylor has always been committed to justice and fighting for others, but her commitment to LGBT equality was ignited after she was discharged from the Navy in 1964 when it was discovered that she was a lesbian. In 2014, with the help of NCLR, Taylor challenged Idaho’s marriage ban after the state-run veterans’ cemetery refused to allow her to be buried with her late wife. Late last year, after NCLR filed her lawsuit, the state reversed course, allowing her wife’s remains to be interred at the veterans’ cemetery, where the couple will be able to rest together.
While it’s getting increasingly difficult for Taylor to get around, she hasn’t slowed down. In March, she took part in a sit-in at the Idaho State Capital to protest lawmakers’ refusal to pass anti-discrimination protections. “Add the 4 Words” protesters blocked all entrances to the bill drafting office of the Idaho Legislature and only allowed entry to legislators who supported adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the state’s Human Rights Act. She was arrested twice as a result.
