- 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
- ✔ Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Housing Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Adoption
- ✔ Legal
- Military
- ✔ Legal
- Donating Blood
- ✔ Legal
- Conversion Therapy
- Varies by Region
- Age of Consent
- ✔ Equal
Public Opinion
Public opinion in United States appears to be somewhat divided on LGBTQ+ issues, as evidenced by recent studies.
OPPOSE
SUPPORT
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?"
United States Surveys
Support for Same-Sex Marriage
(New York Times / Siena, 2023)
Most Americans Know LGB People
(Navigator, 2023)
Support for same-sex marriage
(Gallup, 2023)
Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People
(GLAAD, 2023)
Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People
(GLAAD, 2022)
(Williams Institute, 2022)
Acceptance of LGBTQ Rights Among Non-LGBTQ People
(GLAAD, 2021)
(Pew Research Center, 2021)
History
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
- South Carolina 2020
- Utah 2017
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
State-enforced
Other punishment
- Texas 2021
Ambiguous
- Arkansas 2023
- North Carolina 2022
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
Legal, surgery not required
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)
Current status
Varies by Region
Many U.S. jurisdictions require gender-affirming surgery before the person's legal sex can be changed
It is important to note that surgery is not universally required to change legal sex under federal law or in some states. However, a health professional's certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.
It is important to note that surgery is not universally required to change legal sex under federal law or in some states. However, a health professional's certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.
Legal, surgery not required
- Montana 2022
- North Carolina 2022
- Michigan 2021
- Ohio 2021
- Virginia 2020
- West Virginia 2020
- Colorado 2020
- Maine 2019
- New Mexico 2019
- Kansas 2019
- New Jersey 2018
- Minnesota 2018
- New Hampshire 2018
- California 2017
- Oregon 2017
- Utah 2017
- Washington 2017
- Nevada 2017
- Florida 2004
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Vermont
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington, D.C.
Legal, but requires surgery
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 jurisdictions for use on state-issued ID cards.
Additionally, the United States allows people to have X gender on their passports at a national level.
Additionally, the United States allows people to have X gender on their passports at a national level.
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
- Nevada 2019
- New Jersey 2019
- Minnesota 2018
- Washington 2018
- California 2018
- Washington, D.C. 2017
- Oregon 2017
- Arkansas 2010
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Not legally recognized
- Indiana 2020
- Texas
- Oklahoma
- Delaware
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Wyoming
- American Samoa
- Puerto Rico
- Guam
Ambiguous
- Idaho 2019
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
- Michigan 2023
- New Hampshire 2018
- Guam 2015
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- Washington 2006
- California 2004
- New Mexico 2003
- New York 2003
- Minnesota 1993
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Vermont
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington, D.C.
Illegal in some contexts
- Nebraska 2022
- Virginia 2020
- Texas 2018
- Alabama 2017
- West Virginia 2016
- Montana 2016
- Utah 2015
- Florida 2009
- Missouri 2003
- Kentucky 1792
- American Samoa
- Kansas
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
No protections
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.
LGBT employment discrimination in United States is sexual orientation and gender identity.
Current status
Since Jun 15, 2020
Since Jun 15, 2020
Sexual orientation and gender identity
As of June 15th, 2020 the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, classified as sex discrimination.
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.
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.
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.
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. Nationwide Protections pending.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Pennsylvania 2022
- Michigan 2022
- Kansas 2020
- New Hampshire 2018
- Utah 2015
- Guam 2015
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- California 2006
- Washington 2006
- New Mexico 2003
- Minnesota 1993
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington, D.C.
Sexual orientation only
No protections
- Florida 2014
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Texas
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Ambiguous
Same-sex adoption in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jun 26, 2017
Since Jun 26, 2017
Legal
On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states.
States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
Serving openly in military in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Feb 26, 2021
Since Feb 26, 2021
Legal
Legalized in every state.
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.
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 legal.
Current status
Since May 11, 2023
Since May 11, 2023
Legal
The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation
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
- Pennsylvania 2022
- Minnesota 2021
- Michigan 2021
- North Dakota 2021
- Wisconsin 2021
- Virginia 2020
- Utah 2020
- Maine 2019
- North Carolina 2019
- Colorado 2019
- Massachusetts 2019
- Puerto Rico 2019
- New Hampshire 2019
- New York 2018
- Delaware 2018
- Washington 2018
- Nevada 2018
- Rhode Island 2017
- New Mexico 2017
- Connecticut 2016
- Hawaii 2016
- Oregon 2016
- Vermont 2016
- Illinois 2015
- Washington, D.C. 2014
- New Jersey 2013
- California 2012
- Maryland
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
Not banned
- Idaho 2022
- Florida 2020
- West Virginia 2015
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Guam
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Wyoming
Ambiguous
Equal age of consent in United States is equal.
Current status
Equal
Equalized in every state.
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)
Equality Rank
- #20 Belgium77
- #21 France77
- #22 Austria77
-
#23 United States76
- #24 Mexico75
- #25 Portugal74
- #26 Argentina74
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