by American Civil Liberties Union

About the author: The American Civil Liberties Union is a national organization that works to defend civil rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

The struggle of lesbians and gay men for equal rights has moved to the center of the American stage. At no time in our nation’s history have gay people been more visible: Lesbians and gay men are battling for their civil rights in Congress, in courtrooms and in the streets; well-known figures are discussing their sexual orientation in public; gay characters are featured in movies and on prime time television shows. More Americans today than ever before are aware of the concerns and needs of lesbians and gay men.

Historically, our legal system has sought to enforce presumed cultural and moral norms...