This document outlines key events and developments in the advancement of gay rights in the United States from 2003 to 2011. Some major events included the Supreme Court ruling sodomy laws unconstitutional in 2003, Massachusetts legalizing same-sex marriage in 2004, and Connecticut and New Jersey legalizing civil unions. Over this period, several other states legalized same-sex marriage or domestic partnerships through legislation or court rulings, while some states passed bans.

1. Gay Rights

2.  Lawrence v. Texas
 Supreme court
 Sodomy laws in the US are unconstitutional
 Massachusetts
 The ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional
concerning the state constitution.

3.  May 17- Massachusetts
 Same sex marriage is legalized

4.  October- Connecticut
 Civil unions are legalized

5.  December-New Jersey
 Civil Unions become legal

6.  November
 House of Representatives approves bill ensuring
equal rights in the workplace
 Include gays, lesbians, and bisexuals

7.  February- New York
 Valid same sex marriages performed in other
states are valid in New York
 They get the same rights
 February- Oregon
 Same sex couples can register as domestic
partners
 Gains some spousal rights
 May 15- California
 Supreme court rules that same sex couples have
a constitutional right to marry

8.  November 4- California, Arizona, Florida
 Approve the passage of measures to ban same
sex marriage
 November 4- Arkansas
 Pass a measure to ban gay couples from adopting
children
 October 10- Connecticut
 Same sex marriage is legalized

9.  April 3- Iowa
 Supreme court rejects law banning same sex
marriages
 April 7- Vermont
 Same sex marriage legalized
 May 6- Maine
 Same sex marriage legalized
 Overturned in November and banned it
 June 3- New Hampshire
 Same sex marriage is legalized
 Religious organizations do not have to participate
in ceremony

10.  June 17
 President Obama signs a referendum for same
sex couples of federal employees to receive
benefits
 Full health care is not included

11.  March 3
 Congress legalizes same sex marriage in the
District of Columbia
 August 4
 US District Judge Walker ruled that Proposition 8
from 2008 violated the 14th amendment
 December 18
 Senate votes in favor of repealing Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell military policy

12.  June 24- New York
 Same sex marriage is legalized