Module I 1st and 14th Amendments

The Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments to the United States Constitution provide the foundation for all of the civil rights and protections we enjoy as people in the United States. For the LGBT civil rights movement, the 1st Amendment and 14th Amendment play a particularly important role. As criminal justice professionals, activists, or citizens, these Amendments are important to understand.

1st Amendment

The First Amendment protects the right of free speech, freedom to assemble and associate with others and the freedom of religion. In today's LGBT civil rights debate, the meaning of religious freedom is at the heart of the controversy over whether people can legally discriminate against LGBT people or not. Here are some of the key questions related to religious freedom.

Does religious freedom mean that I can treat you differently if your sexual orientation or gender identity conflicts with my religious beliefs?
If I own a business, can I refuse you service because my religious beliefs conflict with your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Can I refuse to rent a house or room to you because of my religious beliefs and the conflict with your sexual orientation or gender identity.

The U.S. Supreme Court will likely have to weigh-in on these questions very soon. The central question is how far does the 1st Amendment go in protecting my right to believe or not believe or practice a religious faith tradition.

Watch this explanation of the 1st Amendment and all of the rights and protections it provides.

Explore the 1st Amendment and the meaning of free speech and religious freedom at the Cornell Law School site.

14th Amendment

The 14th Amendment has been at the heart of most landmark decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court favoring LGBTQ+ people. This video provides an overview of the 14th Amendment. Pay particular attention to how this Amendment prohibits individual states from creating laws that conflict with the U.S. Constitution.

Explore the 14th Amendment and the meaning of its various rights and protections at the Cornell Law School site.

There is an extra credit assignment available that will give you an in depth look at the 14th Amendment and its history.