THECHANGING LANDSCAPE OFGAY RIGHTS INAMERICA

Gen/200By: 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. 2008

By State Legislature• Vermont, Sep. 2009• New Hampshire, Jan. 2010• New York, July 2011• Delaware, July 2013• Minnesota, August 2013

by Popular Vote• Maine, Dec. 2012• Washington, Dec. 2012• 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 3rd, 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