Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

We are New England's leading legal rights organization
dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation,
HIV status and gender identity and expression.

#Transgender Family Law co-editors @JenniferLevi1 & Liz Monnin-Browder on @LegalTalk Lawyer2Lawyer podcast http://t.co/gYtfpzn4 #TFL

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Your Rights in 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 At A Glance

LGBT Issues

Anti-Discrimination Law »

Massachusetts’ anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (effective July 1, 2012) and HIV status. More »

Family Law »

Same-sex couples can marry in Massachusetts. Single gay people can adopt in Massachusetts; same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. More »

Hate Crimes, Sex Laws and Police »

Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (effective July 1, 2012) are protected characteristics under Massachusetts’ hate crimes laws. More »

Students' Rights »

Massachusetts law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (effective July 1, 2012). More »

HIV/AIDS Issues

HIV Anti-Discrimination Law »

Massachusetts has enacted anti-discrimination laws protecting people with HIV from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. More »

HIV Testing and Privacy »

Massachusetts law requires informed written consent for HIV testing and release of HIV-related medical information. More »

Other HIV-Related Laws »

Massachusetts law permits the Department of Public Health to establish needle exchange programs, but unfortunately requires "local approval" for the siting of a program. More »

GLAD's Work in Massachusetts

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

May 30, 2012

GLADHour: Happy Hour for Fans of GLAD

GLADHour, a happy hour for fans of equal justice for all! Enjoy great food and drinks in a... RSVP »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

July 21, 2012

Summer Party

The Summer Party is held outside in the heart of Provincetown. Enjoy the view of the harbo... RSVP »

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October 26, 2012

13th Annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner

In its 13th year, the Spirit of Justice Award Dinner is GLAD’s flagship event attracting... RSVP »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

June 09, 2012

March with GLAD at Boston Pride

GLAD wants you to join us at this year's Boston Pride March! This year's theme is "Cele... RSVP »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

June 09, 2012

Volunteer with GLAD at Boston Pride

GLAD wants you to help us at this year's Boston Pride! GLAD is looking for volunteers to ... RSVP »

Join Us At This Upcoming Event!

June 12, 2012

Transgender Town Hall and Reception for Transgender Family Law

GLAD and MTPC invite you to: MTPC's Annual TRANSGENDER TOWN HALL MEETING, followed by a... Details »

From the Docket

Case Status: Pending

A.E.H. v. M.R.

GLAD is serving as lead appellate counsel in this case before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial... Details »

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

July 27, 2011

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... Details »

See All Legislative News »

News

April 27, 2012

MA Gov. Patrick Signs New HIV Testing Bill

Today, Governor Deval Patrick will sign into law “An Act to Increase Routine Screening for HIV.”  The bill changes the Commonwealth’s HIV testing law... More »

Read All GLAD News »