The relationship of assumption and knowledge of the homosexual orientation to the abridgment of civil liberties.

Abstract

This article is concerned with the relationship of assumption or knowledge of departure from the heterosexual orientation to the abridgment of civil liberties. The methodology for obtaining data on sexual orientation is described. The definitions for assumption and knowledge of sexual orientation is described. The definitions for assumption and knowledge of sexual orientation are provided. The results indicated that: (a) the most frequently violated civil liberties were equality and procedural due process; (b) there was more assumption than knowledge of sexual orientation; (c) patterns of violations of civil liberties were similar whether sexual orientation was known or assumed; and (d) there was much more use of avoidance than any other mode of resolution, both when the sexual orientation was known and when it was assumed.