- Homosexuality
- ⚢✔ Legal
- Gay Marriage
- ⚭✔ Legal
- Censorship
- Varies by Region
- Changing Gender
- Varies by Region
- Non-binary gender recognition
- Varies by Region
- Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Employment Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Housing Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Adoption
- Varies by Region
- Military
- Varies by Region
- Donating Blood
- ✖ Banned (3-month deferral)
- Conversion Therapy
- Varies by Region
- Age of Consent
- Varies by Region
Suggest Public Opinion Data
Until Oct 28, 2021
Jun 15, 2020–-0001
Jul 16, 2015–-0001
Until -0001
Public Opinion
Views on same-sex marriage or other legal recognition
Ranked #15 out of 27 regions surveyed. (Source: Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
(15%) Against
Support (72%)
Views on same-sex couples' right to adopt
Ranked #8 out of 27 regions surveyed. (Source: Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
(22%) Disagree
Agree (72%)
Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors
Ranked #22 out of 79 regions surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors?"
(12.7%) Mentioned homosexuals
Did not mention homosexuals (81.1%)
Justifiability of homosexuality
Ranked #19 out of 79 regions surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between."
(25.1%) Not justifiable
Justifiable (47.6%)
Opinion on same-sex couples as parents
Ranked #14 out of 74 regions surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "Homosexual couples are as good parents as other couples"
(16.6%) Disagree
Agree (52.8%)
"Should society accept homosexuality?" (2019)
Ranked #11 out of 34 regions surveyed. (Source: Pew Research Center, May–October, 2019)
Question: "Should society accept homosexuality?"
(21%) No
Yes (72%)
Support for same-sex marriage (North and South America)
Ranked #4 out of 29 regions surveyed. (Source: AmericasBarometer, 2016-2017)
Question: "How strongly do you approve or disapprove of same-sex couples having the right to marry?"
(39.1%) Disapprove
Approve (60.9%)
Acceptance of Gay People in Public Office (North and South America)
Ranked #3 out of 29 regions surveyed. (Source: AmericasBarometer, 2016-2017)
Question: "How strongly do you approve or disapprove of [homosexuals] running for public office?"
(26.9%) Disapprove
Approve (73.1%)
"Should society accept homosexuality?" (2013)
Ranked #13 out of 39 regions surveyed. (Source: Pew Research Center, June, 2013)
Question: "Should society accept homosexuality?"
(33%) No
Yes (60%)
Perceived Acceptance of Gay People
Ranked #14 out of 119 regions surveyed. (Source: Gallup, 2013)
Question: "Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place for homosexuals?"
(22%) Not a good place
Good place (70%)
Percentage of Americans Who Consider Homosexuality "Not Wrong At All"
(Source: General Social Survey)
Question: "Is it wrong for same-sex adults to have sexual relations?"
By The Numbers
70%
of adults support same-sex marriage
83%
of Democrats
73%
of Independents
55%
of Republicans
84%
of 18-34 year-olds
72%
of 35-54 year-olds
60%
of 55+ year-olds
(Pew Research Center, 2021)
42%
of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
52%
of U.S. transgender & non-binary youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
(The Trevor Project, 2021)
26%
of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) identify as non-binary
20%
are not sure or questioning if they are transgender
(The Trevor Project, 2021)
11.1%
of U.S. LGBTQ adults identifying as non-binary
(The Williams Institute, 2021)
5.6%
of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT
(Gallup, 2021)
History
Homosexual activity in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jun 26, 2003
Since Jun 26, 2003
Legal
Homosexual activity is legal in the United States, however, some US states had already legalized it in years prior.
Same-sex marriage in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jun 26, 2015
Since Jun 26, 2015
Legal
In a ruling by the US Supreme Court, all 50 states must now issue marriage licenses for same sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in any state.
Censorship of LGBT Issues in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Oct 28, 2021
Since Oct 28, 2021
Varies by Region
Censorship became "other punishment" in the state of Texas, and in Florida Govt. DeSantis wants to ban LGBT topics from being discussed in schools.
Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speach Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Flordia; "Varies by region" is the best indicator to use.
Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speach Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Flordia; "Varies by region" is the best indicator to use.
No censorship
State-enforced
- Alabama 2022
- Florida 2022
- Mississippi 2022
- Oklahoma 2022
Other punishment
- Texas 2021
Ambiguous
Until Oct 28, 2021
No censorship
Freedom of Speech is widely talked about
Pride Parades happen every year
Pride Parades happen every year
Right to change legal gender in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Jan 2013
Since Jan 2013
Varies by Region
From a Federal standpoint, you can change your gender with proof that you have undergone treatment for a gender change (surgery no longer required in any agency as of June 2013)
Legal, surgery not required
- Michigan 2021
- Ohio 2021
- West Virginia 2020
- Colorado 2020
- Maine 2019
- Kansas 2019
- New Jersey 2018
- Minnesota 2018
- New Hampshire 2018
- California 2017
- Oregon 2017
- Utah 2017
- Washington 2017
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
- American Samoa
- Alaska
- Vermont
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- New York
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Indiana
Legal, but requires surgery
- Nevada 2015
- North Dakota 2006
- New Mexico 2006
- Kentucky 2005
- Florida 2004
- Virginia 2003
- Arkansas 2002
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Wyoming
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Louisiana
- Wisconsin
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
Ambiguous
Legal recognition of non-binary gender in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Non-binary gender is recognized in some states and jursidictions.
Recognized
- Vermont 2022
- Michigan 2021
- Ohio 2021
- Arizona 2020
- Pennsylvania 2020
- Maine 2020
- Illinois 2020
- Hawaii 2020
- New York 2020
- Virginia 2020
- Connecticut 2020
- Colorado 2020
- Massachusetts 2019
- New Mexico 2019
- Maryland 2019
- Maryland 2019
- Nevada 2019
- Indiana 2019
- New Jersey 2019
- Minnesota 2018
- Washington 2018
- California 2018
- Oregon 2017
- Arkansas 2010
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Not legally recognized
LGBT discrimination in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Jun 15, 2020
Since Jun 15, 2020
Varies by Region
Each state has different laws.
Illegal
- Virginia 2020
- Guam 2015
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- Washington 2006
- California 2004
- New Mexico 2003
- New York 2003
- Minnesota 1993
- Washington, D.C.
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Vermont
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Colorado
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Illegal in some contexts
- Nebraska 2022
- West Virginia 2016
- Montana 2016
- Utah 2015
- Florida 2009
- Kentucky 1792
- Pennsylvania
- Kansas
- Wisconsin
- New Hampshire
- American Samoa
No protections
- Texas 2018
- Arkansas 2013
- North Dakota
- Arizona
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- Alaska
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
Ambiguous
Illegal in some contexts
In all Federal positions, discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law in instances related to work and employment. In non-federal government jobs, it is based on the state's laws as no federal protections currently exist for non-employees. Additionally, even federal employees could face discrimination unrelated to work in areas of life such as housing, health care, etc. In fact, many groups are advocating the repeal of protections or the introduction of laws to permit discrimination.
Illegal in some contexts
sexual orientation and gender identity considered an aggravated circumstance. Sexual orientation and gender identity is covered under the Matthew Shepard and James Bird Act under subsection (a)2 . Nationwide state employment anti-discrimination laws pending. Nationwide employment Discrimination protection pending. Nationwide hate crime law pending.
LGBT employment discrimination in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Some states offer lgbt discrimination protections and others don’t
Sexual orientation and gender identity
- New York 2018
- Utah 2015
- Guam 2015
- Maryland 2014
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- Massachusetts 2012
- Connecticut 2011
- Nevada 2011
- Hawaii 2011
- Oregon 2008
- New Jersey 2007
- Vermont 2007
- Iowa 2007
- Colorado 2007
- Washington 2006
- Washington, D.C. 2006
- Illinois 2006
- Maine 2005
- California 2004
- New Mexico 2003
- Rhode Island 2001
- Minnesota 1993
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Sexual orientation only
- New Hampshire 1998
- Wisconsin 1982
No protections
- North Dakota
- North Carolina
- Kentucky
- Texas
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Montana
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Louisiana
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Oklahoma
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Pennsylvania
- Missouri
- Arizona
- Kansas
Ambiguous
Sexual orientation and gender identity
As of June 15, 2020, all persons working for employers that employ more than 15 people are protected from discrimination based solely on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity via the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia
Sexual orientation and gender identity
National state discrimination protection pending. National Hate Crime Law Pending.
Jun 15, 2020–-0001
Jul 16, 2015–-0001
Sexual orientation and gender identity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level.
Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Until -0001
No protections
At this time the Federal government has made no laws preventing discrimination at a national level to all employers, but the EEOC does prevent it in Federal government jobs. Since the federal government has no laws protecting public and private sector employees, it is marked as no protections since this designation fits more in line with how this classification is used in other regions. However, the US does have states and cities where discrimination is illegal for all employers.
LGBT housing discrimination in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Housing protections are administered at nearly all levels of government for housing -- if at all. From local city ordinances to federal law, protections are very scattered, and in general, few explicit laws exist to provide housing protections.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Utah 2015
- Guam 2015
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- California 2006
- Washington 2006
- New Mexico 2003
- Minnesota 1993
- Maryland
- Washington, D.C.
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Maine
- Illinois
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Colorado
- Iowa
- New York
- Hawaii
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
Sexual orientation only
No protections
- Florida 2014
- Kansas 2000
- North Dakota
- Kentucky
- Texas
- Mississippi
- Georgia
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Missouri
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Idaho
- Arizona
- Alaska
Ambiguous
Same-sex adoption in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Apr 1, 1986
Since Apr 1, 1986
Varies by Region
Full joint adoption by same-sex couples is currently legal in the certain states.
Legal
- Puerto Rico 2018
- Wyoming 2016
- Mississippi 2016
- Nebraska 2015
- Northern Mariana Islands 2015
- Virginia 2015
- Utah 2014
- Wisconsin 2014
- Oregon 2014
- Washington 2013
- Arkansas 2011
- Maine 2007
- Colorado 2004
- California 2003
- Pennsylvania 2002
- Connecticut 2000
- New Jersey 1995
- Massachusetts 1993
- Vermont 1993
- Louisiana 1982
- Alaska 1974
- Minnesota
- Delaware
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Rhode Island
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Guam
- Hawaii
Married couples only
Single only
- American Samoa 2017
- Kentucky 2008
- Ohio 1998
- Kansas
- North Dakota
- Alabama
- Michigan
Ambiguous
Serving openly in military in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Jan 25, 2021
Since Jan 25, 2021
Varies by Region
Biden administration overturns Trump administration's policy against transgender people serving in the military, however, Texas govt. Greg Abbot kept the ban in place for his state.
Legal
- Texas 2021
- Puerto Rico 2018
- American Samoa 2012
- Guam 2012
- Kentucky 2011
- Florida 2011
- Minnesota 2011
- North Dakota 2011
- California 2011
- Alabama 2011
- Alaska 2011
- Arizona 2011
- Arkansas 2011
- Colorado 2011
- Connecticut 2011
- Georgia 2011
- Hawaii 2011
- Idaho 2011
- Illinois 2011
- Indiana 2011
- Iowa 2011
- Kansas 2011
- Louisiana 2011
- Maine 2011
- Maryland 2011
- Massachusetts 2011
- Michigan 2011
- Mississippi 2011
- Missouri 2011
- Montana 2011
- Nevada 2011
- New Hampshire 2011
- New Jersey 2011
- New Mexico 2011
- New York 2011
- North Carolina 2011
- Ohio 2011
- Oklahoma 2011
- Oregon 2011
- Pennsylvania 2011
- Rhode Island 2011
- South Carolina 2011
- South Dakota 2011
- Tennessee 2011
- Utah 2011
- Vermont 2011
- Washington 2011
- West Virginia 2011
- Wisconsin 2011
- Wyoming 2011
- Virginia 2011
- Delaware 2011
- United States Minor Outlying Islands 2011
- Nebraska 2003
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Washington, D.C.
N/A
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
New policy goes into effect barring individuals with a "condition" known as "gender dysphoria."
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Transgender individual can serve, however, the policy "will require an individual to have completed any medical treatment that their doctor has determined is necessary in connection with their gender transition, and to have been stable in their preferred gender for 18 months, as certified by their doctor, before they can enter the military."
Legal
The US Army repealed the ban to serve for openly transgender individuals
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are permitted to serve openly in the military, however, transgender individuals are still banned.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Don't Ask, Don't Tell was the historic compromise signed by President Bill Clinton authorizing people who are LGBT to serve in the military provided they didn't disclose sexuality. The law also removed the ability for others in the military from asking for a service member's orientation.
Blood donations by MSMs in United States is banned (3-month deferral).
Current status
Since Apr 2, 2020
Since Apr 2, 2020
Banned (3-month deferral)
The FDA announced changes to blood donor eligibility policy on 2nd April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months, it is not legally binding but most agencies and the American Red Cross treat it as such.
Banned (1-year deferral)
After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.
Conversion therapy in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Conversion therapy is legal in about 50% of US states starting with CA and NJ being the first ones. Can't Convert Love is the sole organization whose sole mission is banning conversion therapy nation-wide. MN and IN are in the starting phase of attempting to ban the therapy.
Banned
- Idaho 2022
- Minnesota 2021
- Utah 2020
- Maine 2019
- Colorado 2019
- Massachusetts 2019
- Washington 2018
- Rhode Island 2017
- Hawaii 2016
- Vermont 2016
- Illinois 2015
- Washington, D.C. 2014
- New Jersey 2013
- California 2012
- Maryland
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
Not banned
- West Virginia 2015
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Florida
- Missouri
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Ambiguous
Equal age of consent in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Age of Consent is not set at a national level. It is determined by the states, ranging between 16 and 18.
Equal
- Nevada 2013
- Florida 2010
- New Jersey 2006
- Puerto Rico 2004
- Arkansas 2001
- U.S. Virgin Islands 1986
- Northern Mariana Islands 1983
- American Samoa 1980
- Guam 1978
- Kentucky 1975
- New York
- North Dakota
- Washington
- North Carolina
- California
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Utah
- Texas
- Tennessee
- South Dakota
- South Carolina
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- Oregon
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- Washington, D.C.
LGBT Rights by State
View the LGBT laws in each individual state of United States.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- American Samoa (Outlying Area)
- Guam (Outlying Area)
- Northern Mariana Islands (Outlying Area)
- Puerto Rico (Outlying Area)
- United States Minor Outlying Islands (Outlying Area)
- U.S. Virgin Islands (Outlying Area)
- Washington, D.C. (Federal District)
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