Washington - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today announced that Covington & Burling LLP, a leading Washington, D.C. law firm, and the Rev. Drs. Dennis and Christine Wiley, co-pastors of D.C.'s Covenant Baptist Church, have been named the recipients of the 2010 "Ally of Justice" award. The annual award, presented by HRC's General Counsel and Legal Departments, recognizes outstanding contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community through pro bono and other service.

Covington & Burling served as amicus counsel for the Campaign for All D.C. Families, of which HRC is a coalition partner, and D.C. Clergy United for Marriage in opposing legal efforts to force a popular vote on marriage equality in the District. "As counsel in the Jackson cases, Covington & Burling's efforts were instrumental in protecting marriage equality in the District of Columbia," said Robert Falk, General Counsel of the Human Rights Campaign. "In addition, the firm's own commitment to diversity demonstrates that it is a model partner in the effort to advance equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals."

Reverend Doctors Dennis and Christine Wiley serve as co-chairs of D.C. Clergy United for Marriage Equality and have been strong and visible leaders for marriage equality within the District's faith communities. They are also members of HRC's Religion Council, a group of national religious spokespeople who provide a prophetic voice on the critical issues affecting the LGBT community. "Dennis and Christine Wiley, as faith leaders, have taken a difficult but absolutely pivotal stand in the fight for marriage equality in D.C.," said Harry Knox, Director of HRC's Religion and Faith Program. "They have provided a faith-based perspective in every aspect of this struggle - from advocating before the D.C. Council on the marriage bill to building critical support for equality in congregations across the District."

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.