GLAD's Legislative and Public Policy Work
GLAD's legislative legal work focuses on protecting same-sex couples and families, fighting proposals to incorporate discrimination in the law, ensuring access to insurance, keeping lgbt people safe from violence, working to end employment discrimination and strengthening needle exchange programs. GLAD works with legislative allies and grassroots advocates to craft thoughtful and thorough legislation, analyze proposals that threaten our communities, provide expert testimony at legislative hearings, bring together legal and non-legal specialists to testify before the legislature, and develop strategy with our community partners.
GLAD’s Latest Work
Treat Lipodystrophy Coalition
GLAD and the Treat Lipodystrophy Coalition are working with Massachusetts Rep. Carl Sciortino to pass An Act Relative to HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Treatment.
This bill requires private insurers, MassHealth, and the Group Insurance Commission to provide medical treatment for lipodystrophy, a …
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 rights leaders dedicated to achieving marriage equality in Rhode Island in 2013 - Rhode Islanders United for Marriage.
“GLAD is proud to take an active part in this history-making effort,” says …
Statement by Attorney Vickie Henry Before The Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth
GLAD presented testimony June 20 before the MA Commission on GLBT Youth panel addressing the needs of youth across the state. Here is an excerpt from the testimony presented by Senior Attorney Vickie Henry, who leads GLAD’s Youth Initiative:
Chairman Lipkin and Members of the Committee:
As the …
Advocating for Insurance Coverage of the HPV Vaccine for Boys
GLAD is working to make sure young LGBTQ people live in a world in which they can safely be who they are and be healthy. That means a world free of bullying and harassment, where they can express themselves and form GSAs in schools. And it means a world in which LGBTQ young people have access to …
Supporting House Bill 2277, “An Act Relative to Safe Harbor for Exploited Children”
GLAD is part of a coalition working to pass HB 2277, better known as the “human trafficking bill.” Read attorney Ashley Dunn’s testimony to learn the potential impact of this legislation on homeless LGBTQ youth.
Opposing An Act to Amend the Application of the ME Human Rights Act Regarding Public Accommodations
GLAD Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi presented testimony yesterday before the Maine Judiciary Committee in opposition to LD 1046: An Act to Amend the Application of the Maine Human Rights Act Regarding Public Accommodations.
The proposed legislation would remove protections for …
GLAD Testimony on Proposed Maine HIV-related Legislation
GLAD submitted testimony April 7, 2011 on two bills before the Main legislature concerning proposed changes to HIV-related law concerning privacy and mother-to-child transmission.
Excerpt from testimony on LD 596
GLAD opposes LD 596 which would eliminate all medical privacy protections in Maine law …
AIDS Law Project Director Ben Klein Testifies On MA HIV Testing Bill
GLAD’s AIDS Law Project Director Ben Klein today presented testimony before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Public Health in support of S 1108 and H 2906, which would streamline HIV testing while safeguarding patients’ essential legal rights.
GLAD enthusiastically supports S 1108 and H 2906. …
Public hearing for HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination
The Connecticut Judiciary Committee Public Hearing on HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination took place on March 21, 2011.
If passed, HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination will add gender identity and gender expression to CT non-discrimination law.
Jennifer Levi, GLAD’s Transgender Rights …