Courts
Courts can have a major impact on the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. From Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned state sodomy laws, to Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that extended full marriage equality to same-sex couples in the Bay State, judges’ decisions have the ability to change laws, policies and minds.
The Human Rights Campaign monitors nominations to federal courts, urging the president to name fair-minded judges who will safeguard the rights and liberties of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HRC also educates the public about the role courts play in the federal government and the ways judges can enforce the Constitution by guaranteeing equal rights for all.