When it comes to LGBT+ issues, perhaps the most widely publicized events throughout the history of Pennsylvania occurred in the court or within the government itself. The rights of LGBT+ people to live their lives may have been decided by a few privileged people in society, but that did not stop them from taking matters to the top regardless. This timeline provides a brief snapshot of court cases that have shaped the landscape of LGBT+ rights in Pennsylvania as well as the governors who helped pave the way for even more success.

If you want to explore how local newspapers covered these events, search the Events tab.

References

Burton, William, and Barry Loveland. Out in Central Pennsylvania : The History of an LGBTQ Community. The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2020.

Acanfora, Joe. “A Gay Teachers Battle to Teach.” A Gay Teachers Battle to Teach, 19 Oct. 2006, www.joeacanfora.com/.

“LGBT Rights in Pennsylvania.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 June 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Pennsylvania.

Images

“Court Test of Clearance on Homosexuals.” From The Gettysburg Times, 4 March 1970. NewspaperArchive.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Says He’s Homosexual: Acanfora Approved for Teaching Post.” From Tyrone Daily Herald, 23 Sept. 1972. NewspaperArchive.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Court Rejects Sex Act Ruling.” From The Daily News, 31 May 1980. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Court Decision Makes Phone Ring.” From The Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2002. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Suit Expected to Define Gay Rights.” From News Record, 4 June 1994. NewspaperArchive.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Court to Look at Texas Sodomy Law.” From York Daily Record, 26 March 2003. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Jen Harris, Rene Portland Settle Lawsuit.” From Public Opinion, 6 Feb. 2007. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“Court’s DOMA Ruling Raises More Questions Than It Answers.” From Intelligencer Journal, 1 July 2013. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

“22G Await Gay Vows Decision.” From The Daily Item, 4 Jan. 2014. Image protected under Fair Use.

“The Marriage Question.” From LNP Always Lancaster, 14 June 2015. Newspapers.com. Image protected under Fair Use.

The Bethlehem Globe-Times, 27 Jan. 1976. From Dickinson College Library. Image protected under Fair Use.