ABSTRACT
In order to understand the argument of this book, it is rst necessary to understand the numbers of states that have or do not have protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons. Consider Table 3.1. Some of the most important facts to notice based upon this table are (1) of the total of 50 states, many still allow discrimination based upon sexual orientation; (2) 30 states prosecute hate crimes that are based upon sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression, while ve states have no prohibitions at all upon hate crimes; (3) 2 states oer broad-gauge domestic partnerships, 1 state oers broad-gauge civil unions, 18 states allow for full marital equality, and 1 state oers limited domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. A number of states have bans on legalization of same-sex relationships that are now being overturned by court rulings (Freedom to Marry 2013).
