Matthew Sheperd Act signed into law
A decade after he was brutally murdered in Wyoming, a law recognizing Matthew Sheperd and providing federal protections for LGBTs was signed into law by President Barack Obama in October. The Matthew Sheperd Act provides tougher prosecution for hate crimes based on sexual orientation.
Marriage equality gained, lost in 2009
Iowa granted marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples in 2009 and Vermont, Connecticut and Vermont all followed suit. Unfortunately, however, New York State failed to do the same and voters in Maine rejected a marriage equality bill passed by the state earlier in the year.
Equality March in Washington
Thousands of LGBTs and their supporters converged on Washington, D.C. in October to march for LGBT rights. The large march was the first one of its kind in Washington in more than two decades and was an attempt to shine light on inequalities LGBTs face in America—namely marriage rights and domestic benefits.
Uganda considers death penalty for gays
Uganda’s legislature considered a bill whereby homosexual acts would incur lifetime imprisonment, and in some instances, death. Individuals knowing of gay relationships but not reporting the people involved would be criminally liable, even if they are not gay themselves.
U.S. Gay Bars Raided
Popular gay bars in Atlanta and Dallas saw police raids in 2009, sparking protests in those communities. In both instances, officials said complaints of drugs and prostitution led to the raids; however, neither case seemed to warrant the excessive force that was reported. Several patrons of both bars were injured and lawsuits are pending.
