Gay men, lesbians, and the law Book

Legal issues involving gay men and lesbians have drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years, with a number of controversial cases making headlines. Historically the legal system has branded homosexuals as wrong-doers who commit 'crimes against nature,' and this view has been slow to change. In fact nearly half the states in this country still have statutes on the books that criminalize nonprocreative sex. Though enforcement is rare, the social stigma of these statutes remains strong. Law professor Ruthann Robson probes the wide range of practical consequences wrought by the legal system's negative stance toward homosexuality—everything from dating to health insurance to child custody. While a currently conservative Supreme Court has been reluctant to apply constitutional privacy rights to sexual expression, many states, cities, and municipalities have been pioneering progressive laws. Robson examines such new developments as 'domestic partnerships,' and spotlights the growing influence of gay rights advocates in the legal community. She also explores the ever-changing legal system, and the ramifications of landmark cases in education, the military, health, and the family, making "Gay Men, Lesbians, and the Law" an invaluable guide for all those concerned with the issue of discrimination.

Discusses the legal aspects of homosexuality in such areas as discrimination, education, and health.