Court Cases, Gay Rights, and Legislative Response

Abstract

Few issues in American politics, sexual or otherwise, inspire as much passion as the struggle over civil rights for members of the LGBTQ community. The passion associated with this issue stems from a clash of values and social movements. The undeniable passion that suffuses the issue is apparent to anyone who has witnessed a public debate or read a court transcript on the subject. This chapter will focus on court cases that have played a role in creating rights for members of the LGBTQ community and subsequent legislative actions.