LGBTQ rights in Massachusetts

LGBTQ rights in Massachusetts
Massachusetts (US)
StatusLegal since 1974 (Commonwealth v. Balthazar); legislative repeal pending[1]
Gender identityTransgender people may change gender
Discrimination protectionsYes, both sexual orientation and gender identity
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsSame-sex marriage since 2004
AdoptionYes

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Massachusetts enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people.[2] The U.S. state of Massachusetts is one of the most LGBTQ-supportive states in the country.[3] In 2004, it became the first U.S. state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, and the sixth jurisdiction worldwide, after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1974, although Massachusetts still has not legislatively repealed its sodomy law. State law bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and union practices. In November 2018, it became the first state in the country to support transgender protections through popular vote. In addition, same-sex couples are allowed to adopt, and transgender people may change their legal gender without undergoing sex reassignment surgery. In April 2019, Massachusetts became the 16th U.S. state to ban conversion therapy on LGBT minors.[4][5]

Massachusetts is home to a vibrant and visible LGBT culture. Boston, the state capital, has been ranked one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the United States,[6] noted for its LGBT dating scene, events, nightlife, clubs and bars. Provincetown, located at the tip of Cape Cod, is famous internationally for high LGBT acceptance and visibility. Northampton, on the other hand, is the town with the most lesbian couples per capita in the entire United States.[7]

  1. ^ Salerno, Rob (January 19, 2024). "Massachusetts Senate measure repeals sodomy & anti-trans laws". Los Angeles Blade. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Massachusetts Know Your Rights". GLAD. Archived from the original on March 30, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2017.
  3. ^ Theil, Michele (February 2, 2024). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  4. ^ "Massachusetts Is Now the 16th State to Ban Conversion Therapy". Out. April 8, 2019. Archived from the original on April 9, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "MA's Gov. Baker Signs Legislation Protecting Youth into Law". Human Rights Campaign. April 8, 2019. Archived from the original on May 18, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  6. ^ Phelps, Rob (May 28, 2015). "Boston scores as 11th most gay-friendly city in America". Boston Spirit Magazine. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.
  7. ^ "The Most Gay-Friendly Towns in Massachusetts Could Do Better". Boston.com. November 12, 2014. Archived from the original on November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2018.