The Constitution and LGBTQ+ Rights: A Changing Legal Landscape
The Constitution and LGBTQ+ Rights: A Changing Legal Landscape The fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States has been a long and arduous journey, marked by legal battles, social activism, and changing public opinion. The U.S. Constitution, as the supreme law of the land, plays a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights. This article explores the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights within the constitutional framework, highlighting landmark cases and the ongoing struggle for equality. Historical Perspective The history of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States is one of discrimination, stigma, and persecution. For decades, individuals who identified as LGBTQ+ faced legal sanctions and societal prejudice. Same-sex relationships were often criminalized, and LGBTQ+ individuals were denied basic civil rights. The Stonewall Riots The turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement came with the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City. These riots, sparked by a police raid on the Stone...