Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Celebrating 30 years as New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Rights & Resources Relationships

Relationships

From big cities to small rural towns, from urban Connecticut to the far reaches of northern Maine, same-sex couples and their families are an integral part of the New England landscape. Legal recognition of same-sex relationships, however, is not as universal, varying from place to place and situation to situation.

At a Glance

Same-sex couples need to be able to protect their relationships and their families comprehensively, and GLAD is blazing the trail. Historic legal victories don’t happen by themselves. GLAD won marriage in Massachusetts—the first place in the United States—as well as the earlier landmark victory that led to Vermont civil unions. These GLAD cases have taken the entire LGBT civil rights movement to another level.

Nonetheless, even for couples who benefit from these tremendous civil rights advances, significant inequalities remain. Federal law refuses to recognize and protect married same-sex couples and it permits states to legislate the same official disrespect. When same-sex couples travel or move out of state, they run the risk of having their legal relationships ignored or dismissed.

We still have a long way to go before same-sex couples are truly equal under the law. Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people deserve to be able to fall in love, express their commitment and live their lives together within the safety and comfort of legal security. GLAD is making it happen.

Relationships: 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 Relationships

From the Docket

Miller-Jenkins v. Miller-Jenkins

Victory • 2008

Since 2005, GLAD has been representing Vermont resident Janet Jenkins for all… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

GLAD and Marriage Equality Rhode Island

February 13, 2008

GLAD continues to work with our partner Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI)… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

Civil Unions in New Hampshire

January 02, 2008

As of January 1, 2008, New Hampshire same-sex couples are able to… 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