Final answer:
Over the past 50 years, significant progress has been made in the rights of homosexuals, including the decriminalization of same-sex relations, legalization of same-sex marriage, and protection from discrimination, although challenges continue to exist.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rights of homosexuals have changed significantly over the past 50 years. In the 1970s, the movement to decriminalize same-sex relationships gained momentum, and by the end of the decade, 18 states had decriminalized same-sex relations. The progress continued with the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries, increased protections against discrimination in areas such as employment, and recognition of the rights of same-sex couples to adopt.
In the United States, the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, which prohibited openly gay and lesbian individuals from serving in the military, was repealed in 2011. This was followed by the landmark 2015 Supreme Court case of Obergefell v. Hodges, which guaranteed the right to civil marriage for same-sex couples. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity was further addressed in the 2020 Supreme Court decision, which extended to these groups the employment protections under the Civil Rights Act. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as religious-based discriminatory laws in some states and global disparities in LGBTQ rights.