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.

Encouraging news in Rhode Island - candidates for governor support marriage equality http://bit.ly/atUl8Y

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Your Rights in Massachusetts

GLAD's historic 2003 victory in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health made Massachusetts the first state in the U.S. to grant same-sex couples full marriage equality.

Massachusetts At A Glance

LGBT Issues

Anti-Discrimination Law »

Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and HIV status. More »

Family Law »

Same-sex couples can marry in Massachusetts. The "1913" law initially used to prevent most non-Massachusetts same-sex couples from marrying has been repealed, so now any same-sex couple who meets the marriage requirements can be legally married in Massachusetts. Single gay people can adopt in Massachusetts; 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 Massachusetts’ hate crimes laws. More »

Students' Rights »

Massachusetts law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation. More »

HIV/AIDS Issues

HIV Anti-Discrimination Law »

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

HIV Testing and Privacy »

Massachusetts law requires informed written consent for HIV testing and release of HIV-related medical information. More »

Other HIV-Related Laws »

Massachusetts law permits the Department of Public Health to establish needle exchange programs, but unfortunately requires "local approval" for the siting of a program. More »

GLAD's Work in Massachusetts

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

March 07, 2010

Winter Tea Dance

The Winter Party is getting a make-over! Join us for an afternoon dance with new fans of G... RSVP »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

February 17, 2010

Boston Spirit's Executive Networking Night

GLAD is pleased to support the 3rd annual LGBT Executive Networking Night hosted by Boston... Details »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

February 18, 2010

Gen Silent Film Preview Reception

GLAD is pleased to co-sponsor a preview reception for the ground-breaking film Gen Silent,... Details »

From the Docket

Case Status: Victory

In re Rhiannon O’Donnabhain

Victory! On February 2, 2010, the U.S. Tax Court issued an important decision in O’Donnabhain v.... Details »

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

November 13, 2009

MA: Ask Your Rep to Make Transgender Rights a Priority

A new poll just released by Lake Research Partners shows that 76% of likely voters in... Details »

See All Legislative News »

News

February 2, 2010

GLAD Wins Equal Treatment for Transgender Taxpayers

The U.S. Tax Court today issued a long-awaited decision in O’Donnabhain v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, ruling that treatment for gender... More »

Read All GLAD News »