Quote:
Originally posted by Bey Admired
What policy did Bush introduce that led to this? We're talking about Bush, not the simple progression of time!
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It was the Clintons, actually. The pro-gay activity of the early 2000s was an after-affect of Bill's administration. Some of it was helped by Bill ending the ban on gays working federal govt jobs and initiating pride month. That's not to mention everything the Clintons have done to fight AIDS since Bill's inauguration—and long after. Some of it was a reaction to DADT (which was a compromise forced on Bill by both parties; he wanted gays out in the military, even then), and a reaction to DOMA.
The culture of the late 90s was also significant. Ellen, Chaz, Melissa Etheridge, and others coming out in high profile ways. Movies like Philadelphia or Boys Don't Cry came out. Will & Grace, Queer As Folk, and more gay-inclusive shows launched on television.
There's also the fact that SCOTUS ruled on Lawrence v. Texas in 2003, which ruled that laws banning gay sex (sodomy) were unconstitutional. Bush played no part in that, but it happened during his administration.
