Taking the reader from the Oval Office to the Supreme Court ruling, from state-by-state campaigns to an astounding shift in national public opinion,Forcing the Springis political and legal journalism at its finest.

A groundbreaking work of reportage by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jo Becker,Forcing the Springis the definitive account of five remarkable years in American civil rights history, when the United States experienced a tectonic shift on the issue of marriage equality. Focusing on the historic legal challenge of California’s ban on same-sex marriage, Becker offers a gripping, behind-the scenes narrative told with the lightning pace of a great legal thriller. Taking the reader from the Oval Office to the Supreme Court ruling, from state-by-state campaigns to the landmark decision overturning DOMA, Forcing the Springis political and legal journalism at its finest.

‘Not just the definitive account of the battle for same-sex marriage rights but a thrilling and compassionate one too. Grade A.’ Entertainment Weekly
‘A stunningly intimate story.’ The New York Times Book Review
‘Becker’s account of the hearings, and her analysis of the complictated legal theories involved in the long appeals process, are excellent. Her writing about the four plaintiffs in the case - the true emotional heroes of this book - is particularly affecting.’ Richard Socarides, The New Yorker