Equal_Protection_.docx LAW/PA513 Equal Protection Issues University of Phoenix LAW/PA5

Equal_Protection_.docx  LAW/PA513  Equal Protection Issues  University of Phoenix  LAW/PA513  Equal Protection Issues  In the last years, the gay rights movement in California has made a huge progression in fighting for their freedom to love whomever they want. Laws that once prohibit homosexual activity have been struck down and individuals can freely and openly love one another.  However, there are many cities, states, and countries that are not yet where California is today. The gay rights movement has been a long and bumpy road and there are many still advocating for gay rights other than same-sex marriage. Transgender individuals are having difficulty joining the and/or staying in the military. Employment is difficult to come by.  Western countries are having a much easier time getting their voices heard in regards to their rights.  But countries in the Middle East and Asia are having a far more difficult time gaining the same traction as the western countries.    Gay Rights in the United States  The first documented gay rights organization in the United States was founded in Chicago by a German immigrant named, Henry Gerber, in 1924.  Since then, many other organizations have formed to protect the rights of homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders alike.  50 years ago, it was an act of crime to marry someone of the same sex. The first attempt to legalize same-sex marriage was in 1972.  In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, making gay marriage legal throug