After WW1 I think that was the best they could do, though a far cry from civilized. A few years ago it was the best that gays and lesbians could do to ask for protection in the charter of rights and freedoms - before that, it was Stonewall - asking just to 'be recognized'. The majority has to bo coaxed and charmed and badgered and reminded again and again that minorities are as legitimately entitled to humanity as anyone else. Slowly, the lights go on, the bigots soften (or die off), the courts and the governments come to stand up for equality and human rights. Here, incidentally is an example of why gay pride celebration is and will continue to be necessary - to continue the struggle against ignorance and intolerance.

Granted, progress can be haphazzard and rife with controversy. Liberation (of thought and society) contains the element of chaos and provocation. Embrace it - and go with love ultimately.

you know what,
you're going to get social equality.

Usually, when england and canada upgrade civil rights for anybody, the US does the same, just a few years later.

Land of the Free, Home of the culturally backward.