Cal Anderson Memorial Lecture Series set for Jan. 24

Nationally known Evan Wolfson featured speaker for college's lecture series

OLYMPIA -- Lesbian/gay civil rights leader Evan Wolfson will be the featured speaker for The Evergreen State College's 2006 Cal Anderson Memorial Lecture Series on January 24 at Temple Beth Hatfiloh in downtown Olympia. The event is free and open to the public.

Wolfson is currently the executive director of Freedom to Marry organization in New York. An attorney, Wolfson has also served as director of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, one of the nation's leading advocacy organizations.

Wolfson has participated in numerous legal cases around the nation including the landmark 2004 Baker v. Vermont case - the Vermont Supreme Court ruling that led to the creation of civil unions. Wolfson has also led cases with gay/lesbian military personnel and their right to serve; New York City employees' equal health benefits and recognition for their partners and a person with AIDS who was denied life-saving medical treatment by his insurer. In 2000, Wolfson became the first Lambda attorney to argue in front of the United States Supreme Court.

In 2000, the National Law Journal named Wolfson one of "The 100 most influential attorneys in America," and in 2004, Time Magazine named him as one of "The 100 most influential people in the world."

The memorial lecture series is named in honor of Cal Anderson, Washington state's first openly gay lawmaker representing the University District and Capitol Hill areas of Seattle.

Anderson was appointed to the state house in 1987 and elected to terms in 1988, 1990 and 1992. He was then elected to the state senate in 1994 and served until his death in August 1995. A Vietnam-era veteran, Anderson was the recipient of two Bronze Stars and four Army commendation medals. He supported a number of causes including environmental protection, veterans benefits and campaign finance reform. He is also well-known for his leadership in fighting for equal civil rights protection for gays and lesbians, and for securing funding for HIV/AIDS programs.

What: The Evergreen State College's Cal Anderson Memorial Lecture Series
Who: Featured speaker Evan Wolfson, Exec. Director of Freedom to Marry
When: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
Where: Temple Beth Hatfiloh, Downtown Olympia - Corner of 8th and Washington St.