THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF GAY RIGHTS IN AMERICA Gen/200 By: Team C
PUBLIC FIGURES WHO HAVE INFLUENCED PUBLIC OPINION
STATES THAT HAVE REVISED/LEGALIZED THEIR GAY RIGHTS LAWS by Court Decision Massachusetts, May 2004 California, June 2013 Connecticut, Nov By State Legislature Vermont, Sep New Hampshire, Jan New York, July 2011 Delaware, July 2013 Minnesota, August 2013 by Popular Vote Maine, Dec Washington, Dec Maryland, January 2013 * The territory of Washington, D.C. legalized Same-Sex Marriage March 2012
RIGHTS THAT HAVE BEEN REVISED/CHANGED Insurance Policies Able to be made beneficiaries Spouse included in taxes Child Custody Able to give custody to spouse Able to name a guardian in case of death Advanced Directives Able to make medical decision on behalf of spouse Able to block decisions of immediate family Adoption Able to adopt children without fear of discrimination
MILITARY CHANGES September 3 rd, 2013 – Gay Ban Lifted Same-Sex couples able to enjoy same benefits as heterosexual couples Housing allowance, Military access card, Health Benefits & Life Insurance Decision made by Justice Dept. & Supreme Court
THE HOPE FOR MORE CHANGES IN THE LANDSCAPE 35 States still have the same –sex marriage ban in effect Every Year The rate of violence against the LGBT Community rises Hopefully public influence can spread tolerance on the subject, allowing