Complaint in Gay Students Organization of the University of New Hampshire v. Bonner
11/28/1973
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This complaint comes from the court case Gay Students Organization of the University of New Hampshire, et al. vs. Thomas N. Bonner, et al. Filed in 1973, this is one of the earliest cases involving gay and lesbian civil rights. In their complaint, the plaintiffs (the student organization) stated that the defendants (Thomas Bonner was the President of the University of New Hampshire) had denied their constitutional rights, including those secured by the First and Fourteenth Amendments. The university wouldn't allow the Gay Students Organization to hold "social functions."
In 1974, a Federal court in New Hampshire sided with the UNH Gay Students Organization, ruling that they could come together for social events, which were considered expressive conduct and association as protected by the First Amendment.
In 1974, a Federal court in New Hampshire sided with the UNH Gay Students Organization, ruling that they could come together for social events, which were considered expressive conduct and association as protected by the First Amendment.
This primary source comes from the Records of District Courts of the United States.
National Archives Identifier: 40945142
Full Citation: Complaint; 11/28/1973; Gay Students Organization of the University of New Hampshire, et al. vs. Thomas N. Bonner, et al.; Civil Action Case Files, 1938 - 2002; Records of District Courts of the United States, Record Group 21; National Archives at Boston, Waltham, MA. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/complaint-gay-students-organization-v-bonner, April 24, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.