Supreme Court Rules on Gay Rights in Colorado
May 20th, 1996
May 20th, 1996
How Long Ago?
28 years, 9 months, 23 days ago
Location
Colorado, United States
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Anthony Kennedy
- Romer Evans
Links & References
- Supreme Court of the United States
- LGBTQ rights in the United States
- Homosexuality
- Romer v. Evans
- Colorado
Tags
Supreme Court Rules on Gay Rights in Colorado
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Romer v. Evans, finding unconstitutional a Colorado constitutional amendment that prohibited any protective legislation for LGBTQ+ individuals. The case arose after the Colorado electorate passed Amendment 2 in 1992, which aimed to prevent municipalities from enacting laws that would protect the rights of gays and lesbians. This ruling was significant in affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ people to secure equal protection under the law.
Supreme Court ruled against Amendment 2's provisions.
Set precedent for LGBTQ+ legal protections.
Majority opinion focused on equal protection.
Increased momentum for LGBTQ+ rights advocacy.
What Happened?
The case of Romer v. Evans centered around a 1992 amendment to the Colorado state constitution, known as Amendment 2, which was a response to growing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights during the late 20th century. The amendment effectively nullified any existing or future laws designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation within the state. This measure sparked numerous legal challenges, as it was perceived to be a direct violation of equal protection principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. In 1996, the Supreme Court received the case, and a divided Court ruled against the amendment. The majority opinion, delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy, emphasized that the amendment was born out of animus towards a politically powerless group, which meant it could not withstand equal protection scrutiny.This case represented a turning point in the legal battles surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in America. It was one of the first times the Supreme Court addressed rights specific to sexual orientation, setting a vital precedent. The ruling enabled various cities and counties in Colorado to enact protective measures, reinforcing the concept that discrimination based on sexual orientation is not permissible under the Constitution. This pivotal moment was seen as a significant legal victory for LGBTQ+ advocacy, contributing to a gradual societal shift towards greater acceptance and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals across the nation.
Why Does it Matter?
Romer v. Evans is particularly interesting as it marked a critical moment in the judicial affirmation of LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. It served as an early indication that the courts could recognize and protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. This case laid the groundwork for future rulings related to same-sex marriage and broader LGBTQ+ protections, making it a cornerstone in the journey toward equality for LGBTQ+ individuals across the country.
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