Your Rights: 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. Massachusetts law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and HIV status.

Discrimination

Does state law ban discrimination in employment, credit and housing based on sexual orientation?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in employment, credit and housing based on gender identity or expression?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in public accommodations based on gender identity or expression?

Yes

Parenting

Can a single gay, lesbian or bisexual person adopt a child?

Yes

Can a person in a same-sex relationship adopt their partner’s biological child?

Yes

Does state law provide other legal recognition of parent-child relationships?

Yes

Health Care

Are most insurers prohibited from excluding transition-related health care from coverage?

Yes

Is there a state-specific bulletin regarding transition-related health care?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in health care on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression?

Yes

HIV/AIDS

Has the state criminalized the transmission of HIV?

No

Is there an HIV testing law that protects against coerced and/or uninformed testing?

Yes

Does state law protect privacy of HIV status?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination based on HIV status?

Yes

Transgender Rights

Is there a straightforward way to change gender on a drivers license or state ID?

Yes

Is there a straightforward way to change gender on birth certificates?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in employment, credit and housing based on gender identity or expression?

Yes

Does state law ban discrimination in public accommodations based on gender identity or expression?

Yes

Does the state provide guidance on the fair treatment of transgender students?

Yes

Are most insurers prohibited from excluding transition-related health care from coverage?

Yes

Is there a state-specific bulletin regarding transition-related health care?

Yes

Youth

Is there an LGBTQ-inclusive anti-bullying law?

Yes

Does the state provide guidance on the fair treatment of transgender students?

Yes

Does the state protect the formation of GSAs in school?

Yes

Does the state ban the practice of conversion therapy for minors?

Yes

Disclaimer: This website provides general information only and should not be taken as legal advice for any specific situation. Read our full Legal and Privacy Policy » If you have questions, need more information, or need help with a problem you are facing, please contact us at GLAD Answers.