When was homosexuality decriminalised in USA?
The decriminalisation of homosexuality in the United States has been a long and complex process, spanning several decades and involving various legal battles. Understanding the timeline of these events is crucial to grasp the progress made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
The first significant step towards decriminalising homosexuality in the United States occurred in 1962 when Illinois became the first state to decriminalise private, consensual homosexual acts between adults. This landmark ruling was a result of a legal challenge known as People v. Cruikshank. However, the decision was largely based on the fact that the two men involved were not in the same social class, and thus, the act was considered an “offence against public decency.”
The next major breakthrough came in 1973 when the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), effectively ending the practice of diagnosing homosexuality as a mental illness. This decision had a profound impact on the public perception of homosexuality and paved the way for further legal reforms.
In 1977, New York City became the first major city in the United States to decriminalise homosexuality. This was followed by other cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., which took similar actions. However, it is important to note that these local reforms did not have a uniform impact across the country, as each state still had its own laws regarding homosexuality.
The federal level of decriminalisation began to take shape in 1993 when the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Bowers v. Hardwick that states could criminalise homosexual sodomy. However, this decision was overturned in 2003 when the Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas that state laws criminalising sodomy between consenting adults were unconstitutional. This landmark ruling marked a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community and paved the way for further legal advancements.
The final major step towards decriminalising homosexuality in the United States came in 2009 when the Pentagon lifted the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which had banned openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving in the military. This policy change was a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and demonstrated the growing acceptance of the community within the United States.
In conclusion, the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the United States has been a gradual process, with key milestones occurring in 1962, 1973, 1977, 1993, 2003, and 2009. These events reflect the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the gradual shift towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
