LGBT Rights

The struggle for equality for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people rests on two

fundamental constitutional principles :

  1. Equal protection of the law, which is guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
  2. Freedom of speech and association (including the right to form social and political organizations, to socialize, to produce works of art with gay and lesbian themes, and to speak out), which is guaranteed by the First Amendment.

We have a lot more work to do in our common struggle against bigotry and discrimination. I say 'common struggle' because I believe very strongly that all forms of bigotry and discrimination are equally wrong and should be opposed by right-thinking Americans everywhere. Freedom from discrimination based on sexual orientation is surely a fundamental human right in any great democracy, as much as freedom from racial, religious, gender, or ethnic discrimination."
—Coretta Scott King, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Conference, November 2000

Full Equality

Full, unconditional equality for all in the LGBT community is a top priority of ACLU-DE. This includes:

  • Fair treatment by government;
  • Protection from discrimination in jobs, schools, housing, and public accommodations; and
  • Equal rights for lesbian and gay couples and their families.

Marriage equality, transgender rights and the parental rights of same-sex couples are just some examples of areas where advancements are needed.