Gay rights state by state

Be the first to know about new reports and MAP news by signing up for our newsletter.

Views on LGBTQ Rights in All 50 States: Findings from PRRI’s 2023 American Values Atlas

Founded inthe Movement Advancement Project MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.

You can read more about MAP and the work we do on our About page. A limited set of materials is restricted to the staff and board members of LGBTQ movement organizations. Click below to request user access. Laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation primarily protect or harm lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.

That said, transgender people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual can be affected by laws that explicitly mention sexual orientation. Gender identity and expression are independent of sexual orientation, and transgender people may identify as heterosexual, lesbian, gay or bisexual.

These laws also can apply to people who are not transgender, but whose sense of gender or manner of dress does not adhere to gender stereotypes. We appreciate you signing up for the MAP newsletter. You will receive an automatic email confirmation shortly. New Democracy Maps.

Nondiscrimination Laws. Housing nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections.

See our maps tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live; this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. If you have experienced discrimination, contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk gay rights state by state otherwise seek legal advice.

State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation only 2 states. No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law 18 states, 4 territories. Additionally, the U. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD currently interprets the Fair Housing Act's ban on sex-based discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

LGBTQ people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may be able to pursue claims through this avenue. However, l ocal ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and more create a patchwork of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country.

Given this patchwork, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. Recommended citation: Movement Advancement Project.

Public accommodation nondiscrimination laws protect LGBTQ people from being unfairly refused service, denied entry to, or otherwise discriminated against in public places based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here.

Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live see below ; this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights. No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law 21 states, 4 territories.