Judiciary Committee, Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Lawrence v. Texas Codification Act of 2022 This bill provides statutory authority for the right of individuals of the same sex to engage in private, consensual sexual conduct. Specifically, the bill prohibits any state from enacting a law or regulation that infringes on any individual's right to enter into a consensual sexual relationship in the confines of their home and private life, including with respect to individuals of the same sex. (The Supreme Court held that state laws criminalizing private, consensual sexual relationships between individuals of the same sex were unconstitutional in Lawrence v. Texas in 2003.) The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action for violations. It also establishes a private right of action through Section 1983 lawsuits (Section 1983 is a federal statute that allows individuals to sue state or local government actors for violations of constitutional rights).
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Lawrence v. Texas Codification Act of 2022
USA117th CongressHR-8394| House
| Updated: 11/1/2022
Lawrence v. Texas Codification Act of 2022 This bill provides statutory authority for the right of individuals of the same sex to engage in private, consensual sexual conduct. Specifically, the bill prohibits any state from enacting a law or regulation that infringes on any individual's right to enter into a consensual sexual relationship in the confines of their home and private life, including with respect to individuals of the same sex. (The Supreme Court held that state laws criminalizing private, consensual sexual relationships between individuals of the same sex were unconstitutional in Lawrence v. Texas in 2003.) The bill allows the Department of Justice to bring a civil action for violations. It also establishes a private right of action through Section 1983 lawsuits (Section 1983 is a federal statute that allows individuals to sue state or local government actors for violations of constitutional rights).