Gay rights state by state

If you have experienced discrimination, contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. The latest data is as of December As a constitutional republic granting broad authority to the states, America’s legislative climate often reflects regional attitudes.

However, l ocal ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and more create a patchwork of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live; this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Be the first to know about new reports and MAP news by signing up for our newsletter. The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies. Recommended citation: Movement Advancement Project. We appreciate you signing up for the MAP newsletter.

Nondiscrimination Laws. See our maps tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here. Additionally, the U. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD currently interprets the Fair Housing Act's ban on sex-based discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. Gayest states the United States research summary. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.

LGBTQ people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may be able to pursue claims through this avenue. You can read more about MAP and the work we do on our About page. Gender identity and expression are independent of sexual orientation, and transgender people may identify as heterosexual, lesbian, gay or bisexual.

State Equality Index The Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index (SEI) is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families. Click below to request user access. Laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation primarily protect or harm lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.

Given this patchwork, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law 21 states, 4 territories.

That said, transgender people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual can be affected by laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation. Public accommodation nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly refused service, denied entry to, or otherwise discriminated against in public places based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live see below ; this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. Founded in , the Movement Advancement Project MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.

We used Saturday Night Science to research the states with the highest percentage of LGBT adults for The data comes from the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute, which breaks down the percentage of gay adults by state. Credit and lending nondiscrimination laws protect people from being unfairly denied credit and lending services, such as opening a bank account, taking out a loan, and more.

Still, other LGBTQ+ safeguards rely on state and local laws. You will receive an automatic email confirmation shortly. New Democracy Maps. A limited set of materials is restricted to the staff and board members of LGBTQ movement organizations. The SEI rates all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.

in six areas of law and assigns the states to one of four distinct categories. This map shows the overall policy tallies for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here.

Federal laws protect the right to same-sex marriage and forbid employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law 18 states, 4 territories. Housing nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation only 2 states. These laws also can apply to people who are not transgender, but whose sense of gender or manner of dress does not adhere to gender stereotypes.