Gays and marital rights

Joseph R. Biden Jr. Two years earlier, he voted to cut off federal funds to schools that teach the acceptance of homosexuality. In , Mr. Biden, in an off-handed response to a question, wondered if homosexuals in the military or government were potential security risks. But today, Mr.

That's the assessment of Hillary Goodridge, one of 14 people whose lawsuit led Massachusetts in to become the first state to sanction gay and lesbian marriages. Twelve years later, by a vote, the high court made it 50 states. More than , same-sex couples in the United States are married, including about , who have wed since the ruling. The Supreme Court extended workplace protections nationwide last week for the LGBTQ community, ruling that a landmark civil rights law barring sex discrimination in the workplace applies to gay, lesbian and transgender workers. But the court's majority , led by conservative Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch , did not close the door on religious exemptions, saying "other employers in other cases may raise free exercise arguments that merit careful consideration. The court already is considering four major religion cases, including several with implications for gay, lesbian and transgender people. Those seeking religious exemptions "are feeling intense public pressure

Gays and lesbians are consistently denied rights that are typically taken for granted by the average American. Specifically, gay and lesbian couples are denied the right to marry even if they are outstanding citizens. They are held at an unfair disadvantage solely because of their sexual orientation. This discrimination must stop, because gay and lesbian couples are law-abiding.

Jump to navigation Skip navigation. The struggle of LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people for equal rights has moved to center stage. LGBT people are battling for their civil rights in Congress, in courtrooms and in the streets. Well-known figures are discussing their sexual orientation in public. Gay and lesbian people are featured in movies and on television - not as novelty characters, but as full participants in society.