Equal Rights and Opportunity in the Family and Personal Life: Lesbian Feminism, Single Motherhood by Choice, Transgendered People, and Reproductive Rights
created by:
Annie ChoiChristine Wang
::Table of Contents::
Legislative Issues
What and who defines a family?
One of the primary concerns of the GLBT movement for equality is related to family, marriage, and parenting issues. The legalization of gay and lesbian relationships is seen as an essential step to the acquisition of equal benefits for homosexual and heterosexual partnerships in regards to child custody, adoption, fostering, and benefits.
Goodridge v. Department of Public Health- November 2003-04
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Massachusetts may not "deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry" (1). This states that same-sex and heterosexual couples must be given equal marriage rights under the state constitution. Gay and lesbian couples in long-term, committed relationships are entitled to equal protection.
Civil Unions Between Same-Sex Couples
In 2000, Vermont became the first state in the United States to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. This law states that couples would be entitled to the same benefits, privileges, and responsibilities as spouses.
Employment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
This is a proposed U.S federal law introduced to Congress on April 24, 2007, that would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill is specifically directed to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees.
Expansion of Washington Civil Rights Act
This landmark legislation no longer allows discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment, housing, or lending.
Hate Crimes
Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2005)
This act gives law enforcement officials the tools necessary to fight hate crimes against gay, lesbian, and transgender people.