Important events for gay rights

By jennadarlinn

  • Vermont

    Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. Gay couples in this state are recognized as partners; however, marriage is not yet legal.

  • Lawrence v. Texas

    The U.S. Supreme Court rules sodomy laws in the U.S. are unconstitutional.

  • Massachusetts

    Gay marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts.

  • Connecticut

    Civil unions become legal in Connecticut.

  • New Jersey

    Civil unions become legal in New Jersey.

  • Workplace Rights

    The House of Representatives approves a bill granting equal rights in the workplace for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.

  • New York and Oregon

    A New York State appeals court unanimously votes that valid same-sex marriages performed in other states must be recognized by employers in New York, granting same-sex couples the same rights as other couples.
    Oregon passes a law that allows same-sex couples to register as domestic partners. This gives them some spousal rights of married couples.

  • Connecticut

    Connecticut becomes the second state to legalize gay marriage.

  • Iowa

    Gay marriage is now legal in Iowa after it being turned down only days before.

  • New Hampshire

    New Hampshire allows gay marriage, and President Obama signs a referendum allowing the same-sex partners of federal employees to receive benefits.

  • District of Columbia

    Gay marriage becomes legal in the District of Columbia.

  • New York

    New York becomes the largest state to legalize gay marriage.

  • Washington and Maryland

    Washington legalizes gay marriage under a month before Maryland.