Sexual Politics and Social Change
26 Pages Posted: 26 Mar 2013 Last revised: 19 Sep 2015
Date Written: July 1, 2009
Abstract
The Article examines the impact of social movement activity upon the advancement of GLBT rights. It analyzes the state and local strategy that GLBT social movements utilized to alter the legal status of sexual orientation and sexuality following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick. Successful advocacy before state and local courts, human rights commissions, and legislatures fundamentally shifted public opinion and laws regarding sexual orientation and sexuality between Bowers and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Lawrence v. Texas. This altered landscape created the "political opportunity" for the Lawrence ruling and made the opinion relatively "safe".
Currently, GLBT rights groups are following a similar strategy with respect to the pursuit of same-sex marriage. This Article evaluates that strategy and considers whether political opportunities for reform in GLBT rights exist on the national stage.
Keywords: GLBT, gay, lesbian, social change, social movements, President Obama, Don't Ask Don't Tell, defense of marriage, DOMA, DADT, ENDA, Employment Nondiscrimination Act, Lawrence v. Texas, Bowers v. Hardwick, Supreme Court, Equal Protection
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