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Explore the legal and social milestones in the journey towards LGBT rights in the United States, from historic judicial decisions to legislative victories and shifts in public opinion. Learn about key events, laws, and advocacy organizations shaping the fight for equality.
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LGBT rights in the United States Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Judicial history • 1972 - the Supreme Court of Minnesota in Baker v. Nelsonruled that it did not violate the federal Constitution for a state to deny a civil marriage license to a same-sex couple. • 1993 - The controversy over same-sex marriage was revived in Hawaii
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)1996 • The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a United States federal law that defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman. The law passed both houses of Congress by large majorities and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996.
Matthew Shepard December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998 Student who was tortured and murdered for his sexual Orientation • October 22, 2009 - Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
Legislative history • In 2004, the Massachusetts Supreme Court, in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. • In 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld the lower court's ruling and marriage licenses to same-sex couples became available on April 24, 2009.
Legislative history • In May 2009, Maine passed a marriage equality law. • In 2010, Washington, D. C. legislatively enacted marriage equality in the district. • In June 2011, New York legalized same-sex marriages. • In February 2012, Washington legalized same-sex marriages. • On March 3 2012, Maryland Governor signed same-sex marriage bill.
Public Opinion • A May 2011 Gallup opinion poll also showed 53% support for gay marriage among Americans • A May 2009 Gallup poll indicated 54% support for gays and lesbians being allowed to adopt children
Anti-discrimination lawsMilitary Service • Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 permitting homosexual men and women to serve openly in the armed forces.
Employment • President Bill Clinton's Executive Order 13087 (1998) prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation • Private sector workers may have a Title VII action under a quid pro quo sexual harassment theory, a "hostile work environment" theory, a sexual stereotyping theory, or others. • Twenty-one states, the District of Columbia, and over 140 cities and counties have enacted such bans.
Medical facilities • On April 14, 2011, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order to the Department of Health and Human Services. It would require facilities to grant visitation and medical decision-making rights to gay and lesbian partners, as well as designees of others such as widows and widowers
U.S. political parties • Among the two major parties, the Democratic Party has endorsed some gay rights legislation in its national party platform since the 1980s. • The Republican Party has close ties to the Christian right and thus tends to oppose gay rights legislation, as does its national party platform.
Gay Organizations • Human Rights Campaign - the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans
Gay Organizations • Immigration Equality - is a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals.
