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.
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 can get a civil union in Rhode Island. Single gay people can adopt in Rhode Island; in most cases, 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
Rhode Island laws protect people with HIV against discrimination in employment, public accommodations and housing. More →
HIV Testing and Privacy
Although there are some exceptions, Rhode Island law requires informed consent for HIV testing (although it can be oral), but requires written consent for the release of HIV-related medical information. 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
D’Amico v. Cranston School Department
In a victory for GLAD, the Rhode Island Human Rights Commission found probable cause to believe… More →
Legislative Advocacy
Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee Marriage Bill Hearing 2013
GLAD is part of a broad coalition of LGBT advocates, clergy members, labor organizations, and civil… More →
News
Rhode Island is Milestone for Marriage Equality
Today, Governor Lincoln Chafee signed into law a bill to allow same-sex couples to marry in Rhode Island. The Ocean State is now the nation’s 10th… More →