LGBTQ rights in Washington (state)

LGBTQ rights in Washington
Washington (US)
StatusLegal since 1976
(Legislative repeal)
Gender identityTransgender people allowed to change legal gender, surgery not required
Discrimination protectionsSexual orientation and gender identity or expression protected
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage since 2012;
Domestic partnership since 2007
AdoptionSame-sex couples permitted to adopt

The state of Washington is seen as one of the most progressive states in the U.S. in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) rights;[1] with jurisprudence having evolved significantly since the late 20th century. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1976. LGBTQ people are fully protected from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations; the state enacting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in 2006. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012, and same-sex couples are allowed to adopt. Conversion therapy on minors has also been illegal since 2018.

Washington is frequently referred to as one of the United States' most LGBTQ-friendly states,[2] and its largest city Seattle has a thriving LGBTQ community, ranked as the fifth largest in the country.[3] Opinion polling has shown that a majority of Washingtonians support same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights. A 2019 survey from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 74% of residents supported anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ people.[4] In November 2012, voters approved a same-sex marriage law in Referendum 74.

  1. ^ Theil, Michele (2024-02-02). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  2. ^ "The best and worst states for LGBT equality". MSNBC. Archived from the original on 2018-07-10. Retrieved 2018-05-07.
  3. ^ Balk, Gene (March 20, 2015). "Survey ranks Seattle area for 5th for LGBT population — so how many people is that?". Seattle Times.
  4. ^ The American Values Atlas: Washington