Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer delivered remarks at the DOJ Pride 30th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony on June 17, 2024. In his speech, Mizer highlighted the Department of Justice's ongoing commitment to protecting civil rights, particularly for the LGBTQI+ community.
"Hello – my name is Ben Mizer, and I’m the Acting Associate Attorney General at the Department of Justice," he began. "I’m delighted to join the Deputy Attorney General in welcoming you to DOJ Pride’s 30th anniversary celebration and to join you in honoring our two talented and impressive award recipients."
Mizer noted that his role involves overseeing components such as the Civil Rights Division, Civil Division, and Office of Justice Programs. He emphasized that this work includes efforts to support and protect the LGBTQI+ community.
"I come to this role not only as a proud member of the gay community but also as an attorney who has spent many years working on issues important to it — including while here at DOJ," he said. "And I think my work on these issues provides a bit of a window into how the Department’s orientation on LGBTQI+ rights has evolved over the last 20 years or so."
Reflecting on his career, Mizer recounted litigating against the Justice Department early in his career regarding the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. Although initially unsuccessful, Congress later eliminated this discriminatory policy.
At DOJ, Mizer contributed significantly to implementing key legal decisions affecting LGBTQI+ rights. He worked on a team implementing the Supreme Court’s decision in Windsor v. United States which invalidated DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). He also advised then-Attorney General Eric Holder on changing litigation positions concerning gender identity discrimination under Title VII.
"It was a great honor, as head of the Civil Division, to see my name included on the United States’ brief in Obergefell v. Hodges," he added.
Despite progress made in equality issues important to LGBTQI+ communities, Mizer acknowledged ongoing challenges. "This year, as attacks against LGBTQI+ people — especially transgender adults and children — have increased, the fight for equality and to protect their safety and civil rights is more critical than ever."
He assured that DOJ remains fully engaged in combating bias-motivated violence and hate crimes targeting LGBTQI+ individuals. This includes incidents like those at Club Q in Colorado Springs and Basin, Montana.
"We’re also pursuing litigation in multiple states to protect access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender adults and minors," he stated.
Additionally, DOJ supports organizations developing programs aimed at preventing hate crimes and providing culturally sensitive support for survivors.
In conclusion, Mizer reiterated DOJ's dedication: "We will not let up in our fight to ensure equal justice for everyone regardless of what they look like how they worship or whom they love."
He ended by congratulating Professor Isaacs and Dr. Sherry before wishing everyone a happy Pride Month.