Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on
sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Rights & Resources Anti-LGBT Discrimination

Anti-LGBT Discrimination

While New England has been a leader in the journey toward LGBT civil rights - having the laws is only half the battle. No legislation ever made discrimination disappear. GLAD's precedent-setting litigation is where the legal rubber meets the road -- changing laws, changing attitudes, and changing lives.

At a Glance

Fewer than a third of all U.S. states have laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation, and only a handful prohibit discrimination based on a person’s gender identity or expression. There are no federal protections for LGBT civil rights.

New England has been a leader in the journey toward LGBT civil rights. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont all have laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Non-discrimination laws in Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or expression.

Anti-LGBT Discrimination: Information for Your State

Specific laws can vary
greatly from state to state

For more information, please visit a state page:

GLAD's Work On Anti-LGBT Discrimination

From the Docket

Bedford and Breen v. New Hampshire Technical College System

Victory • 2007

The state of New Hampshire dropped its appeal in this case on… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

New Hampshire: Ask Senator Gregg to Support ENDA

November 02, 2009

On Thursday, November 5, the federal Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) will… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

GLAD Responds to U.S. Motion to Dismiss DOMA Suit

November 17, 2009

Seeks Final Ruling in Favor of Plaintiff Couples

Stepping up its litigation… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

Publications

Share Your Story

Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More