Susan Gluck Mezey is a professor emeritus of political science at Loyola University Chicago. She holds a master’s in arts and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University and a law degree from DePaul University. She has published about minority group policies and the federal courts. Her recent books include: “Transgender Rights: From Obama to Trump” (2020); “Beyond Marriage: Continuing Battles for LGBT Rights” (2017); “Elusive Equality: Women’s Rights, Public Policy, and the Law, 2d Ed.” (2011); “Gay Families and the Courts: The Quest for Equal Rights” (2009); “Queers in Court: Gay Rights Law and Public Policy” (2007); and “Disabling Interpretations: Judicial Implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act” (2005).

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American Life League v. Reno (4th Cir.) (1995)

American Life League v. Reno (4th Cir. 1995) upheld the constitutionality of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act against a First Amendment challenge.

City of Boerne v. Flores (1997)

City of Boerne v. Flores (1997) said Congress does not have unlimited power to expand First Amendment rights and overturned the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993.

Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994 (1994)

The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act criminalizes blocking a clinic entrance and interfering with women seeking abortions. Opponents say it violates the First Amendment.

Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston (1995)

Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston (1995) said the First Amendment expression rights of a group holding a parade trumped anti-discrimination law.

Madsen v. Women’s Health Center, Inc. (1994)

Madsen v. Women’s Health Center, Inc. (1994) addressed the conflict between the First Amendment rights of antiabortion protestors and women’s constitutional right to abortions.

New York State Club Association, Inc. v. City of New York (1988)

New York State Club Association, Inc. v. City of New York (1988) held that a city ordinance prohibiting discrimination in places of public accommodation was constitutional.

One, Inc. v. Olesen (9th Cir.) (1957)

One, Inc. v. Olesen (9th Cir. 1957) ruled that a homosexual magazine was obscene and not constitutionally protected under the First Amendment rights of free speech and press

Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (1973)

Pittsburgh Press Co. v. Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations (1973) found that banning employment discrimination did not violate the First Amendment.

Scheidler v. National Organization for Women (2006)

Scheidler v. National Organization for Women (2006) said racketeering laws could not be invoked to challenge antiabortion protests protected by the First Amendment.