Gay Magazine Wins First Amendment Challenge
In this February 1958 issue, ONE celebrates its Supreme Court victory over the U.S. Post Office, which refused to distribute the magazine, citing obscenity laws.
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Gay Magazine Wins First Amendment Challenge
In this February 1958 issue, ONE celebrates its Supreme Court victory over the U.S. Post Office, which refused to distribute the magazine, citing obscenity laws.

About the artifact
On Jan. 13, 1958, the Supreme Court upheld the magazine’s right to publish. It was a landmark victory for the gay rights movement. The ruling consisted of just one sentence but extended First Amendment free speech protection to the gay press. The article notes: "By winning this decision, ONE Magazine has made not only history but law as well and has changed the future for all U.S. homosexuals."
Also worth noting
The Los Angeles magazine debuted in January 1953 and did not publish explicitly sexual content.
On Jan. 13, 1958, the Supreme Court upheld the magazine’s right to publish. It was a landmark victory for the gay rights movement. The ruling consisted of just one sentence but extended First Amendment free speech protection to the gay press. The article notes: "By winning this decision, ONE Magazine has made not only history but law as well and has changed the future for all U.S. homosexuals."