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The Orange County visiblity League.
Orange County Visibility League
Orange County Visibility League
Self-described militant gay activists, the Orange County Visibility League is well-known for planning and taking part in "kiss-ins," acts of civil disobedience, and open protests in support of LGBTQ+ rights. The group organized a candlelight vigil and march through the UC Irvine campus to protest Measure N, which aimed to strip homosexuals of anti-discrimination protections.
The vigil and protest event took place before the Measure N vote. The candlelight march and vigil occurred on the Saturday preceding the Tuesday city ballot and took place through the UC Irvine campus.
Measure N was a 1989 ballot initiative in Irvine, California, that aimed to remove protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation from the city's anti-discrimination law. The measure was approved by a narrow margin, with 52.6% of the vote in favor.
(nationalgeographic.org) 1975 Boston Pride Parade
Imedieate Impact:
Measure N's immediate result was the removal of Irvine's local regulations protecting homosexuals. This indicated that people would be able to experience discrimination in housing, jobs, and services without having legal recourse under the laws of the city.
Protests and intense debate were generated by the measure. Vigils and protests were staged by LGBTQ+ activists and supporters to express their disapproval and dismay.
Long Term Impact:
Despite the passage of Measure N, the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights has significantly improved over the years. California state laws and federal regulations now provide comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These laws supersede local measures like Measure N.
In the end, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights has progressed, even though Measure N's immediate goal of eliminating Irvine's local anti-discrimination regulations for homosexuals was accomplished. Measure N's effects have been essentially removed by the strong anti-discrimination protections offered by current state and federal legislation.
Header Image: (smithsonianmag.com) Gay rights activists march in San Francisco in 1978.
This website was created by a UC Irvine student.
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