When Did The Lavender Scare End?

The Lavender Scare was a period in the United States during the 1950s when the government targeted individuals who were suspected of being homosexual. It was part of a broader campaign to uncover any potential communist sympathizers in American society. Thousands of people lost their jobs, were imprisoned, or faced other forms of discrimination due to their perceived sexuality. However, like all things, the Lavender Scare had to come to an end. In this article, we will discuss the question: when did the Lavender Scare end?

The End of the Lavender Scare

The Lavender Scare began to lose its power in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The counter-culture movement of the sixties played an important role in challenging the existing social order and its treatment of marginalized groups. The gay rights movement emerged as a political force, organizing protests and demonstrations to call attention to the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This activism resulted in a gradual shift in public opinion, which ultimately led to the end of the Lavender Scare.

Executive Order 10450

One of the most significant actions taken to bring an end to the Lavender Scare was the revocation of Executive Order 10450. This order had been signed into law by President Eisenhower in 1953 and allowed government agencies to dismiss any employee who was found to be a security risk. Under this order, suspicion of homosexuality was enough to justify dismissal. In 1973, President Richard Nixon rescinded the order, citing the need for greater protections of individual rights.

Legal Decisions

The changing legal landscape in the 1960s and 1970s also contributed to the end of the Lavender Scare. The Supreme Court began to issue rulings that protected the civil rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. In 1967, the court struck down anti-sodomy laws in the landmark case of Lawrence v. Texas. In 1973, the American Psychological Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses. These legal victories helped to change public perception and paved the way for greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in American society.

Continued Discrimination

It is important to note that discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals did not end with the Lavender Scare. Even after Executive Order 10450 was rescinded and legal victories were won, LGBTQ+ individuals continued to face social and legal discrimination. It was not until the 1990s and 2000s that significant progress was made in securing legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015.

The Lavender Scare was a dark period in American history that had severe consequences for those who were targeted. However, it is also a story of resistance and resilience. The activism of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies played a crucial role in ending the Lavender Scare and paving the way for greater acceptance and legal protections. It serves as a reminder that while progress can be slow, it is possible to overcome even the most entrenched forms of discrimination.

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Last update 2023-06-07. Price and product availability may change.