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.

Your Rights in Rhode Island

In an early victory for LGBT youth, GLAD in 1980 fought for and won the right of gay Cumberland high school student Aaron Fricke to take a male date to his senior prom.

Rhode Island At A Glance

LGBT Issues

Anti-Discrimination Law »

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

Family Law »

Same-sex couples cannot marry in Rhode Island, but they can legally marry in Massachusetts. Single gay people can adopt in Rhode Island; in most case, 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 Rhode Island’s hate crimes laws. More »

Students' Rights »

Rhode Island law says that students, teachers and staff have the right to attend or work at a safe school. More »

HIV/AIDS Issues

HIV Anti-Discrimination Law »

Although there are some exceptions, Rhode Island law requires informed consent for HIV testing and release of HIV-related medical information. More »

HIV Testing and Privacy »

In Rhode Island, there are multiple laws that protect the privacy of medical information such as HIV. More »

Other HIV-Related Laws »

Under Rhode Island law, a pharmacy may sell hypodermic needles and syringes. Possession of a hypodermic needle is no longer illegal in Rhode Island. More »

GLAD's Work in Rhode Island

From the Docket

Case Status: Settled

Tiverton School Committee v. McCullough & Boivin

GLAD worked with the ACLU of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island NEA on behalf of a retired teacher,... Details »

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

February 13, 2008

GLAD and Marriage Equality Rhode Island

GLAD continues to work with our partner Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) to advance an... Details »

See All Legislative News »

News

August 18, 2010

Poll Shows Majority in Rhode Island Support Marriage Equality

Today, the Rhode Island Marriage Coalition (RIMC) released the results of a new poll showing that 59 percent of Rhode Island voters support allowing... More »

Read All GLAD News »