American+Civil+Liberties+Union+advocacy+(1950s)

__American Civil Liberties Union__ Katie

The ACLU's LGBT Project works to protect the constitutional rights of LGBT individuals, report discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status. (American Civil Liberties Union) They also help individuals file lawsuits if they have been discriminated against. They state that their final goal is to "both to change the law and to convince Americans that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination is wrong." This idea of promoting social changes as well as legal reappears throughout their mission document.

The LGBT Project was started in 1986, but they brought their first LGBT related case 1936! Their primary "constitutional rights" goal used to be the repeal of Don't Ask Don't tell, but since that was accomplished, they now work to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (American Civil Liberties Union). This act seeks to end workplace discrimination in hiring and employment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. The bill has been in Congress since 1994 and is supported by President Obama (Wikipedia).

ACLU also seeks to promote LGBT equality in a number of different ways: -removing restrictions and policies that inhibit gay or lesbian individuals from adopting children, and ensuring that there is fair visitation between the two parents in the event of a divorce. -support the attainment of the right to marry for LGBT individuals -encourage open environments in schools -end discrimination against transgender people and help them acquire the appropriate legal documents for their gender identity. (American Civil Liberties Union) __Their marriage related advocacy __

The government seems to be shifting towards marriage equality, as seen by the Prop 8 decision and the numerous states where same-sex marriage is legal, and the government shift in ideology may represent a social shift in ideology. Courts are ruling in favor of same-sex marriage more often and becoming more critical of arguments made against same-sex marriage (Esseks).

Currently, nine states and DC allow same-sex couples to marry, respect marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states, eight allow civil unions or domestic partnerships, and two have more limited domestic partnership systems.

ACLU works with couples to bring cases to court and puts out information for couples that helps them comprehend the verdicts (American Civil Liberties Union).

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr1397/text text of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act

Works Cited American Civil Liberties Union. "LGBT Relationships." //American Civil Liberties Union//. American Civil Liberties Union, n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2013. .- - -. "LGBT Rights." //American Civil Liberties Union//. American Civil Liberties Union, n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.

.James Esseks. "The Country's Evolution on Marriage." //American Civil Liberties Union//. American Civil Liberties Union, 25 Oct. 2013. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.

.Wikipedia. "Employment Non-Discrimination Act." //Wikipedia//. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.

.