Private: Supreme Court Litigator Paul Smith Examines Equal Rights Advances

Paul M. Smith, a longtime Supreme Court litigator and counsel for the plaintiffs in the landmark Supreme Court case, Lawrence v. Texas, recently talked with the American Constitution Society of Yale Law School about LGBT equal rights advancements, and setbacks. Smith, partner at Jenner & Block LLP and former chair of the ACS Board of Directors, told the Yale Law School chapter that the advancement for equality has been decidedly mixed, but there remained ample room for optimism.

He noted the referenda setbacks in California and Maine, but added, "We have marriage equality in five states, and the flood tide is still running very strongly in the direction of equality. "

"And so I'm very optimistic," Smith continued, "that in the next few years we will continue to make tremendous strides."

Smith also said that advocates for equality should push lawmakers to advance equal rights. "If anything," Smith added, "pressure should be ratcheted up. It [reform] needs to happen." See video of Smith's entire interview here or download it here. The interview followed a recent ACS Yale Law School chapter event, featuring Smith. 

Equality and Liberty, LGBTQ Equality