Celebrating the Legacy of the Gay Rights State
Image from Wisconsin GLBT History Project On February 25, Wisconsin governor Lee Dreyfus signed into law a bill that made it illegal for state or private businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation in employment and housing. Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to enforce such a law at the state level. Access to digital collections is being upgraded. See what is online now.
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Wisconsin First is a digital archive dedicated to preserving the history of America’s first statewide gay rights law, passed in Wisconsin in Explore the archive, learn about the movement, and join us in honoring the legacy of equality. On February 25, Wisconsin governor Lee Dreyfus signed into law a bill that made it illegal for state or private businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation in employment and housing. Wisconsin became the first state in the nation to enforce such a law at the state level. NATION’S FIRST! WISCONSIN ADOPTS GAY RIGHTS LAW
on of civil rights rather than gay rights. He brought to bear his ties with labor and liberal interest gr ups, and reached out to Republican allies. In the end, Assembly Bill 70 assed both houses with bipartisan support. Republican Governor Lee Dreyfus signed it into law on February 25, , adding another “Wisconsin First” to the state. Access to digital collections is being upgraded. See what is online now. LGBT Rights movement in Wisconsin
In , Wisconsin became the first state to enact a gay rights law prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation. Wisconsin was also the first state to elect three openly gay/lesbian persons to Congress: Steve Gunderson, Tammy Baldwin, and Mark Pocan. In , Wisconsin made history by enacting the first statewide civil rights law in the United States specifically protecting gay and lesbian individuals from discrimination. The law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, thereby adding "sexual orientation" to existing state civil rights statutes. 
Celebrating the legacy of the Gay Rights State
On February 25 of this year, Wisconsin celebrated 42 years as the first Gay Rights State in the nation. On February 25, , Governor Lee Dreyfus passed Assembly Bill 70 into law, banning discrimination against gays and lesbians in housing, employment, credit, or public accommodation. This groundbreaking bill was a long, uphill battle two decades in the making. The “Gay Rights Law. .
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In , Wisconsin made history by enacting the first statewide civil rights law in the United States specifically protecting gay and lesbian individuals from discrimination. The law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, thereby adding "sexual orientation" to existing state civil rights statutes. This landmark legislation. . Passing Gay Rights in Wisconsin, 1967
The First in the Nation () ©GCN, February 27, - Wisconsin Passes Gay Rights Bill By Scott Brookie. MADISON, WI — Wisconsin will become the first state in the United States with a statewide antidiscrimination law for lesbians and gay men if Governor Lee Dreyfus signs a bill now headed for his desk. . 
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Did you know? Sunday, Feb. 25 is the 42nd anniversary of Wisconsin becoming the first Gay Rights State in the nation. Events will honor Wisconsin's historic role in equality. .