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.

At a Glance

LGBT and HIV-positive individuals often experience unique difficulties when dealing with the criminal justice system. At best, the system is poorly designed to accommodate and serve the needs of GLAD’s community. At worst, it is overtly and deliberately hostile.

Antiquated anti-gay “sodomy” laws have been struck down, but other criminal laws related to sex—statutes that may be neutral on their face—are often enforced in a discriminatory way against gay men. In prison, LGBT individuals are frequently targeted for mistreatment and physical or sexual attacks. Prison officials may participate in such abuse, turn their backs on it, or lack institutional tools to adequately protect LGBT inmates. Transgender inmates and people with HIV may face additional difficulties gaining access to appropriate medical treatment.

Specific laws can vary
greatly from state to state

For more information, please visit a state page:

GLAD's Work On

From the Docket

In re Rhiannon O’Donnabhain

Victory • 2010

Victory! On February 2, 2010, the U.S. Tax Court issued an important… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Phone Bank to Support CORI Reform

March 16, 2010

Show your support for CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) Reform Legislation by… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

Rhode Island Couples Talk Marriage Equality in New Video

March 16, 2010

Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders… Read More

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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