The right to intimate association is the freedom to establish and uphold close bonds with others without government interference. This encompasses familial ties and other profound personal connections that hold significance for individuals. The government is prohibited from impeding people’s participation in lawful activities, and individuals within a group have the right to exclude others if it is essential for the relationship to function. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution safeguards this right.
The constitutional right of freedom of intimate association safeguards an individual’s ability to establish and sustain intimate relationships without any interference from the government. This right is grounded in the belief that specific relationships are crucial for personal freedom and should be shielded from state intrusion. The privacy rights of a married couple within their relationship are safeguarded by freedom of intimate association. The government is prohibited from meddling in their decision to marry or remain together. Likewise, a group of friends who regularly convene to discuss political matters are exercising their freedom of expressive association. The government cannot impede their gatherings or suppress their expression of opinions. Additionally, a religious organisation’s right to exclude non-members from certain activities is protected by freedom of association. The government cannot compel the organisation to admit outsiders. These instances exemplify how freedom of intimate association safeguards a broad spectrum of relationships, ranging from romantic partnerships to political groups to religious organisations. The ability to establish and maintain these relationships without government interference is fundamental to individual freedom and autonomy.
No, the government cannot restrict who you can have a romantic relationship with under the freedom of intimate association.
No, your employer cannot dictate who you can date or marry under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be discriminated against for your choice of romantic partner under the freedom of intimate association.
It depends on the specific circumstances and company policies, but generally, an employer cannot fire you solely for dating a coworker under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied housing because of your romantic relationship under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied adoption rights because of your sexual orientation under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied visitation rights with your partner in the hospital under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied spousal benefits because of your partner’s gender under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied the right to make medical decisions for your partner under the freedom of intimate association.
No, you cannot be denied the right to marry the person of your choice under the freedom of intimate association.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freedom-of-intimate-association/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Freedom Of Intimate Association. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freedom-of-intimate-association/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Freedom Of Intimate Association. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freedom-of-intimate-association/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Freedom Of Intimate Association. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/freedom-of-intimate-association/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts