Lawrence v. Texas (2003) was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct. The case arose when John Lawrence and Tyron Garner were arrested in Texas under the state’s “Homosexual Conduct” law, which made same-sex sexual activity a criminal offense. The two men were caught engaging in consensual sex in Lawrence’s apartment, and they challenged the law, arguing it violated their constitutional rights to privacy and equal protection.
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lawrence, overturning its previous decision in Bowers v. Hardwick (1986), which upheld such laws. The Court found that the Texas law violated the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, which protects the right to engage in private consensual sexual conduct. Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy emphasized that the law intruded on the personal and intimate choices central to the dignity of individuals. The decision was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as it affirmed the fundamental right of adults to engage in consensual sexual activity without government interference.