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German Penal Code
The German Penal Code criminalizes homosexual acts between men, leading to similar laws in other countries. -
Mental Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association adds homosexuality to its list of mental disorders. -
Decriminalization of Homosexuality in the United Kingdom.
In 1967, homosexuality was decriminalized in England and Wales, marking a major step forward in the recognition of LGBT rights in the United Kingdom. -
Stonewall Riots
The Stonewall Riots in New York City marked a turning point in the LGBT rights movement in the United States. The riots were a response to police raids on gay bars, and they helped to spark a wave of activism and advocacy for LGBT rights. -
AIDS Epidemic
The AIDS epidemic had a major impact on the recognition of LGBT people in the United States and around the world. While the epidemic initially fueled homophobic and transphobic attitudes, it also led to increased activism and advocacy for LGBT rights and for better healthcare for people with HIV/AIDS. -
Bowers v. Hardwick
The US Supreme Court upholds Georgia's sodomy law in Bowers v. Hardwick, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activity. -
Matthew Shepard Murder
The murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, in Wyoming in 1998 brought national attention to hate crimes against LGBT people in the United States. -
Lawrence v. Texas
The Supreme Court case of Lawrence v. Texas struck down laws criminalizing same-sex sexual activity in the United States. This ruling was a major activity for LGBT rights advocates and helped to pave the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. -
Converson Therapy Bans
In recent years, a growing number of US states and countries have passed laws banning the practice of conversion therapy, which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. These bans have been viewed as positive steps toward recognizing the harmful and pseudoscientific nature of conversion therapy. -
Uganda's "Kill the Gays" Bill
Uganda's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Act, also known as the "Kill the Gays" bill, drew international condemnation for its severe penalties for homosexuality, including the death penalty in some cases. -
Marriage Equality Referendum in Ireland
In 2015, Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular referendum. The referendum was widely viewed as a positive step towards greater recognition of LGBT rights and equality. -
Employment Discrimination
The US Court rules that employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.