Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Celebrating 30 years as New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

At a Glance

LGBT and HIV-positive individuals often experience unique difficulties when dealing with the criminal justice system. At best, the system is poorly designed to accommodate and serve the needs of GLAD’s community. At worst, it is overtly and deliberately hostile.

Antiquated anti-gay “sodomy” laws have been struck down, but other criminal laws related to sex—statutes that may be neutral on their face—are often enforced in a discriminatory way against gay men. In prison, LGBT individuals are frequently targeted for mistreatment and physical or sexual attacks. Prison officials may participate in such abuse, turn their backs on it, or lack institutional tools to adequately protect LGBT inmates. Transgender inmates and people with HIV may face additional difficulties gaining access to appropriate medical treatment. 

Rhode Island Connecticut Massachusetts Vermont Maine New Hampshire
Specific laws can vary
greatly from state to state

For more information, please visit a state page:

GLAD's Work On

From the Docket

Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Dept. of Public Health

Pending

On August 25, 2004, GLAD filed suit on behalf of seven gay… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Working for Trans Protection Legislation in MA

March 19, 2008

Legislation to protect citizens from discrimination based on gender identity or expression… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

AIDS Services Org Sues to End Illegal Restrictions on Group Home

September 24, 2008

GLAD filed suit today in Keene, New Hampshire, Superior Court on behalf… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

Working for Trans Protection Legislation in MA

March 19, 2008

Legislation to protect citizens from discrimination based on gender identity or expression… Read More

News on

AIDS Services Org Sues to End Illegal Restrictions on Group Home

September 24, 2008

GLAD filed suit today in Keene, New Hampshire, Superior Court on behalf… Read More

Governor Patrick Signs Repeal of 1913 Law

July 31, 2008

Update: The anti-gay group MassResistance has filed paperwork for a referendum essentially… Read More

Maine Voters Refuse to Sign Anti-Gay Ballot Petition

June 20, 2008

The organization spearheading Maine’s recent anti-gay referenda withdrew its most recent petition… Read More

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Publications

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Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More

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