The End of the Gay Rights Revolution: How Hubris and Overreach Threaten Gay Freedom

The gay rights movement in the West has succeeded beyond its wildest dreams - but this success seems suddenly fragile.

Ronan McCrea’s important book argues that this is no blip. Forces favourable to gay rights - such as the wider cultural shift towards greater sexual freedom - are weakening, while political developments, cultural changes and migration patterns mean that sources of opposition, both old and new, are gaining strength. The gay rights movement is ill-equipped to meet this challenge. Convinced that history is on its side, the movement has expanded its aims and made new enemies while refusing to consider whether elements of the sexual freedoms it fought for have had unforeseen downsides, including for gay people themselves.

For the gay rights revolution to endure, a fundamental reconsideration of its goals, its history and its limits is required. Anyone wanting to understand the challenges faced by gay rights and the wider liberal project needs to read this timely warning.

Ronan McCrea is Professor of Constitutional and European Law at Faculty of Laws, University College London.