The rights of gay and lesbian Americans leaped into the national spotlight again after President Obama came out in favor of same-sex marriage. He made the announcement a day after North Carolinians voted to become the 30th state in the U.S. to place a ban on same-sex marriage.
Michigan voters banned same-sex marriages in 2004.
Some states have done the opposite. They've passed laws expressly allowing same sex marriages.
And then there are laws on adoption. Some states allow same-sex couples to adopt jointly. Other states have banned the practice.
Laws restricting and protecting gay Americans vary widely from state to state. There are laws regarding hospital visitation, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, hate crimes, and harassment in schools.
The national picture on gay and lesbian legal rights and restrictions is jumbled and difficult to explain.
But a unique form of journalism - data visualization journalism - can help bring light to the overall picture.
That's just what The Guardian has done with U.S. state laws that address gay and lesbian issues.
In one look, you can see which states have adopted laws protecting the rights of gays and lesbians, and which states have passed laws restricting their rights.
The Guardian's color wheel shows that in the Midwest, Iowa stands out legislatively as a "gay friendly" state, while states like Michigan would decidedly not be seen that way.
Michigan, Mississippi, and Utah are the only states that expressly ban same-sex marriages and joint adoption by same-sex couples.
Take a look at their color wheel and let us know what you think of it.
HT to GG
