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.

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.

At a Glance

  • Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and HIV status. Learn More →
  • Same-sex couples can marry in Massachusetts. Initially, the "1913" law was used to prevent most non-Massachusetts same-sex couples from marrying, but on July 31, 2008, it was repealed. Now any same-sex couple who meets the marriage requirements can be legally married in Massachusetts. Learn More →
  • Single gay people can adopt in Massachusetts; same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. Learn More →
  • Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under Massachusetts’ hate crimes laws. Learn More →
  • Massachusetts law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation. Learn More →
  • Massachusetts law requires informed written consent for HIV testing and release of HIV-related medical information. Learn More →

LGBT Issues

HIV/AIDS Issues

GLAD's Work in Massachusetts

From the Docket

In re Rhiannon O’Donnabhain

Pending

GLAD has commenced litigation in the U.S. Tax Court on behalf of… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Working for Trans Protection Legislation in MA

March 19, 2008

Legislation to protect citizens from discrimination based on gender identity or expression… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

GLAD Honored for Marriage Equality Success

November 21, 2008

GLAD was honored November 18 - the fifth anniversary of the Goodridge… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

MA Publications

Share Your Story

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

State Equality Partner

GLAD's state equality partner in Massachusetts is
MassEquality

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