Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

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

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Your Rights in Maine

GLAD won the right of same-sex couples to jointly adopt in Maine, in the 2007 case Adoption of M.A..

Maine At A Glance

LGBT Issues

Anti-Discrimination Law »

Maine’s anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity or expression. More »

Family Law »

Same-sex couples are not able to marry in Maine. Domestic partnerships provide a few benefits accorded to married couples. Single gay people can adopt in Maine; same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. More »

Hate Crimes, Sex Laws and Police »

Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under Maine’s hate crimes laws. More »

Students' Rights »

Maine law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. More »

HIV/AIDS Issues

HIV Anti-Discrimination Law »

Maine has enacted anti-discrimination laws protecting people with HIV from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. More »

HIV Testing and Privacy »

Maine only requires that a patient be informed that an HIV test will be performed unless the patient declines, but has a statute that requires written consent for the release of HIV-related medical information. More »

Other HIV-Related Laws »

Maine law authorizes the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to certify needle exchange programs. More »

GLAD's Work in Maine

From the Docket

Case Status: Victory

Nolan v. Labree

Addressing the issue of parentage in gestational surrogate births for the first time, the Maine... Details »

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

April 13, 2011

Opposing An Act to Amend the Application of the ME Human Rights Act Regarding Public Accommodations

GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi presented testimony yesterday before the... Details »

See All Legislative News »

News

May 22, 2012

New Anti-Bullying Law in Maine

Update: Governor LePage signed this bill into law on May 21.

The Maine Legislature voted last week to pass a revised version of the anti-bullying... More »

Read All GLAD News »