Ratified in 1868, Congress and the courts have applied the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause to many aspects of public life over the past 150 years. How did gay and lesbian relationships go so quickly from being subject to criminal prohibition to being eligible for marriage?The 14th Amendment is an addition to the United States Constitution that was ratified in 1868 in the aftermath of the American Civil War. More in The Constitution. The Fourteenth Amendment ushered in a new era of civil rights in America. This FindLaw article offers an overview of the Amendment. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and possessions, against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. "Fourteenth Amendment Ratification Project" and tried to figure out how to get the Ohio General Assembly to act. A majority yes vote is necessary for the amendment to pass.