Final answer:
Civil rights policies traditionally did not protect individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity until recent developments, including the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' and the Supreme Court's recognition of same-sex marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Civil rights policies are generally not directed toward protecting individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity until recent years. These rights ensure equal access to society, including issues like voting, education, and employment, and they protect against discrimination for different groups. However, major policies to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation are relatively new and have been evolving, including the repeal of the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in 2011, the Supreme Court ruling in favor of same-sex marriage in 2015, and the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the employment discrimination protection under the Civil Rights Act in 2020.
It is noteworthy that while civil rights have traditionally focused on ethnic minorities, such as African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, they also encompass other groups such as women and individuals with disabilities. Civil rights aim to counteract majority rule in a democracy that may result in the violation of the minority's rights, thus providing a balance to ensure all individuals are treated equally under the law. The role of the government is critical here, as it is responsible for enacting and enforcing laws that protect these rights.
While progress has been made, legal discrimination, to some extent, continues against the LGBTQ community in certain places, where individual religious beliefs or prejudices are permitted to influence the level of discrimination against these persons.