Women Back Abortion, Lesbians (Press, 22 November 1977)

The national women’s conference in Houston, Texas, held in 1977, saw a significant endorsement of abortion rights, sex education, and lesbian rights, amidst lively debates and emotional appeals. The conference attracted about 2,000 delegates and marked a historic moment, notably more divisive than even discussions around the Equal Rights Amendment. Tensions ran high as participants engaged in passionate arguments, with instances of pushing and shoving at the microphones as women sought to voice their opinions. A notable highlight was the presence of lesbian activists, symbolised by balloons showcasing the slogan “We are everywhere,” who celebrated what they viewed as a triumph for their cause. In contrast, anti-abortion groups mounted counter-demonstrations, expressing their dissent through chants and placards proclaiming “No lesbian bill.” This divide was particularly evident as conservative attendees from various states, including Mississippi and Hawaii, turned their backs to the podium in protest against the support for lesbian rights, fearing it would undermine traditional family structures. Some voices within the feminist movement also raised concerns about the endorsement of lesbian rights, arguing that it could detract from the broader campaign for equal rights. However, Betty Friedan, a pivotal figure in the American women's movement and author of “The Feminine Mystique,” shifted the narrative by publically supporting lesbian rights. In her address, Friedan candidly shared her struggles with the issue but ultimately advocated for the protection of lesbian civil rights, stating that division on this subject had persisted for too long. The resolution supporting lesbian rights called for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual preference across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, the military, and child custody. This development underscored a significant moment in the intersection of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, positioning the fight for lesbian rights as an integral part of the women's movement.

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