Citation

Ridinger RB. J. Homosex. 2006; 50(2-3): 189-216.

Affiliation

University Libraries, Founders Memorial Library, 15E, De Kalb, IL, 60115-2868, rridinger@niu.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J082v50n02_09

PMID

16803764

Abstract

This paper reviews the origin of the concept of sadomasochism and its treatment by the American legal system. Relevant court cases and corollary issues such as the rights to privacy and sexual freedom, child custody, domestic violence, and employment discrimination are profiled. Organizations created by the gay, lesbian and heterosexual leather communities to create accurate public awareness of the SM subculture, and their programs of education and activism, are discussed and prospects for effective legislative change evaluated.

Language: en