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The Society for Human Rights is founded by Henry Gerber, which is the first gay rights organization documented.
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President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs an executive order which bans homosexuals from working for the federal government, because they are said to be a security risk.
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Police raid the gay night club and a large fight begins between bystanders and police. Riots continue for days to support the club and is considered the beginning for gay civil rights activism in the United States.
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U.S. Supreme Court decides that same-sex couples have no constitutional right to marry. Marriage is defined as between individuals of opposite sex.
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After Milk's death, Gibert Baker is inpired to develop a symbol of pride and hop for the LGBT community and creates the first rainbow flag.
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Harvey Milk is the first openly gay man to be elected political office in California. Milk is later murdered by Dan White after only serving for 11 months.
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Supreme Court ruled that consensual activities between gay adults was not protected by the Constitution
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Over 30 states pass laws under the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits same-sex marriage and defines marriage. Within a year, President Clinton signs DOMA into a law
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Vermont's Supreme Court ruled that the definition discriminated against same-sex couples. Vermont allowed same-sex couples to enter into "civil unions", which gave them all of the benefits of marriage.
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The Supreme Court overturns the 1986 decision and rules that gay people can do as they please in their private lives.
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Within 2008, California ruled that same-sex marriage was legal, but then later approved Proposition 8. This made same-sex marriage illegal again.
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Between 2009-2013, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington D.C., Iowa, California, New York, Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota legalized gay marriage
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In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is protected under the 14th Amendment. All states are forced to legalize gay marriage.
