Sexual Orientation and Gender Law

This course will examine the evolving constitutional and legal rights of the LGBTQ community. We will begin by exploring the historical evolution of the constitutional rights of gays and lesbians, examining doctrines of privacy and equality as they have evolved to protect LGBTQ individuals. The course will explore ongoing legal battles over religious freedom and nondiscrimination laws, the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming people, employment discrimination, and family law questions (including parentage, adoption, divorce, and alternatives to marriage). We will examine these issues critically, including by addressing concerns over federalism, free exercise, the democratic process, and the proper role of the courts. Throughout the course, students will explore key due process and equal protection concepts and learn how to frame and develop constitutional arguments. This course will focus on numerous procedural and justiciability issues that are critical in civil rights litigation.