Supreme Court overturned laws against private homosexual activity

Supreme Court overturned laws against private homosexual activity

June 26, 2009 03:00:00 am

On June 26, 2003, the US Supreme Court in Lawrence v. Texas struck down state laws criminalizing private homosexual activity, finding that such laws violate the Due Process Clause of the US Constitution. The ruling overturned the Court’s previous decision in Bowers v. Hardwick.

THIS DAY @ LAW

India constitution ratified

On January 26, 1950, India ratified its constitution, formally making the new country a republic. On the same day, Rajendra Prasad was inaugurated as the republic's first president. The anniversary is celebrated today as Republic Day in India.

Tennessee became first state to ban alcohol sales

On January 26, 1838, Tennessee became the first US state to pass a law prohibiting the general sale of alcohol; fines paid by lawbreakers were put towards the support of public schools. Read more about the history of Prohibition.