Movement Advancement Project | Non-Discrimination Laws

Employment non-discrimination laws protect LGBT people from being unfairly fired, not hired, or discriminated against in the workplace by private employers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This map shows state non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states or federal courts that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live (see below); this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here.

State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (21 states + D.C.)
State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (2 states)
State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation only (1 state)
No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law (26 states)
State is in a federal circuit with a ruling that explicitly interprets existing federal prohibition on sex discrimination (under Title VII) to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Visit this page for more information (26 states)

Read the State-by-State Statutes

Local ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and federal EEOC rulings create a patchwork of employment non-discrimination protections for LGBT people across the country. This map shows state non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states or federal courts that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Additionally, multiple rulings by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission show that federal prohibitions against sex discrimination (under Title VII) also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, EEOC rulings are not binding on private employers, and federal courts may rule differently. To view our map on federal court decisions interpreting Title VII's inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity, click here. Given the patchwork of protections and multiple layers of laws, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

*Michigan's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Michigan Civil Rights Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).
*Missouri's Supreme Court is considering two cases regarding whether the state's prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
*Pennsylvania's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: State Non-Discrimination Laws." http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws (date of access).

Percent of LGBT Population Covered by Laws

48%

48 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

7 % of LGBT population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

2 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation only

44%

44 % of LGBT population lives in states that do not prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 5% of LGBT population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Housing non-discrimination laws protect LGBT people from being unfairly evicted, denied housing, or refused the ability to rent or buy housing on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This map shows state housing non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live (see below); this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here.

State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (21 states + D.C.)
State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (2 states)
State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation only (1 state)
No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law (26 states)

Read the State-by-State Statutes

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) currently interprets the Fair Housing Act's ban on sex-based discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may be able to pursue claims through this avenue. However, local ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and more create a patchwork of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people across the country. This map shows state non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states or federal courts that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Given the patchwork of protections and multiple layers of laws, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

*Michigan's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Michigan Civil Rights Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).
*Missouri's Supreme Court is considering two cases regarding whether the state's prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
*Pennsylvania's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).

For additional information, contact the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: State Non-Discrimination Laws." http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws (date of access).

Percent of LGBT Population Covered by Laws

48%

48 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

7 % of LGBT population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

2 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting housing discrimination based on sexual orientation only

44%

44 % of LGBT population lives in states that do not prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 5% of LGBT population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Public accommodation non-discrimination laws protect LGBT people from being unfairly refused service or entry to, or from facing discrimination in, places accessible to the public on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Public accommodation laws generally cover anywhere someone is when they are not at home, work, or school, including retail stores, restaurants, parks, hotels, doctors’ offices, and banks. This map shows state public accommodation non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live (see below); this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Additionally, in states without state protections, municipalities may provide local-level nondiscrimination protections. See our map tracking local-level nondiscrimination ordinances here.

State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (20 states + D.C.)
State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (2 states)
State law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation only (1 state)
No explicit prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law (27 states)

Read the State-by-State Statutes

Local ordinances, state laws, federal court rulings, and federal EEOC rulings create a patchwork of employment non-discrimination protections for LGBT people across the country. This map shows state non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states or federal courts that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Given the patchwork of protections and multiple layers of laws, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

*Michigan's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Michigan Civil Rights Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).
*Missouri's Supreme Court is considering two cases regarding whether the state's prohibition on sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
*Pennsylvania's non-discrimination law does not explicitly enumerate sexual orientation or gender identity, but the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission has stated it explicitly interprets the state's existing protections against sex discrimination to include protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity (2018).

For additional information, contact the Center for American Progress.

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: State Non-Discrimination Laws." http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws (date of access).

Percent of LGBT Population Covered by Laws

47%

47 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity

7 % of LGBT population lives in states explicitly interpreting existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

2 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation only

45%

45 % of LGBT population lives in states that do not prohibit discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 5% of LGBT population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Credit and lending non-discrimination laws protect LGBT people from being unfairly denied credit and lending services on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This map shows state credit and lending non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other rights may exist or be recognized where you live (see below); this map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Credit non-discrimination law covers sexual orientation and gender identity (14 states)
State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (0 states)
Credit non-discrimination law covers only sexual orientation (0 states)
No credit non-discrimination law covering sexual orientation or gender identity (36 states + D.C.)
State has law preventing passage or enforcement of local non-discrimination laws

Read the State-by-State Statutes

Local ordinances, state laws, federal court decisions, and other federal rulings create a patchwork of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people across the country. This map shows state non-discrimination laws that explicitly enumerate sexual orientation and/or gender identity as protected classes, as well as states or federal courts that explicitly interpret existing sex protections to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Additionally, the federal Consumer Finance Protection Board released guidance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but federal courts may rule differently. Given the patchwork of protections and multiple layers of laws, individuals who have experienced discrimination should contact Lambda Legal's Help Desk or otherwise seek legal advice. This map is not intended as legal advice or an indication of your rights.

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: State Non-Discrimination Laws." http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws (date of access).

Percent of LGBT Population Covered by Laws

28%

28 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting credit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

0 % of the LGBT population lives in states that explicitly interpret existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

0 % of LGBT population lives in states prohibiting credit discrimination based on sexual orientation only

72%

72 % of LGBT population lives in states that do not prohibit credit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 5% of LGBT population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

This map shows state laws or policies that prohibit discrimination against state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Public employment non-discrimination policy covers gender identity and sexual orientation (31 states + D.C.)
State explicitly interprets existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity (see note) (0 states)
Public employment non-discrimination policy covers only sexual orientation, though federal law offers some protections (see note) (3 states)
No employment non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation or gender identity, though federal law offers some protections (see note) (16 states)
State is in a federal circuit with a ruling that explicitly interprets existing federal prohibition on sex discrimination (under Title VII) to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Visit this page for more information (26 states)

Read the State-by-State Statutes

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: State Non-Discrimination Laws." http://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/non_discrimination_laws (date of access).

Percent of LGBT Population Covered by Laws

69%

69 % of the LGBT population lives in states with policies that protect state employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

0 % of the LGBT population lives in states that explicitly interpret existing prohibition on sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and/or gender identity

4 % of the LGBT population lives in states with policies that protect state employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation only

27%

27 % of the LGBT population lives in states with no state policy prohibiting discrimination in public employment based on sexual orientation or gender identity (including 5% of LGBT population living in states that preempt local nondiscrimination laws)

Key

State has law that only covers sexual orientationLaw covers sexual orientation
State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identityLaw covers sexual orientation and gender identity/expression

State	Employment	Housing	Public Accommodations	Credit	State Employees
	Citations	Citations	Citations	Citations	Citations
Alabama
Alaska					State has law that only covers sexual orientation
Arizona					State has law that only covers sexual orientation
Arkansas
California	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Colorado	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Connecticut	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Delaware	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
District of Columbia	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Idaho
Illinois	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Indiana					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Iowa	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Kansas					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Kentucky					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Louisiana
Maine	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Maryland	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Massachusetts	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Michigan					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Minnesota	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Mississippi
Missouri					State has law that only covers sexual orientation
Montana					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Nebraska
Nevada	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
New Hampshire	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
New Jersey	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
New Mexico	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
New York	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
North Carolina					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
North Dakota
Ohio					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Oklahoma
Oregon	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Pennsylvania					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Rhode Island	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity			State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Vermont	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Virginia					State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Washington	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity	State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
West Virginia
Wisconsin	State has law that only covers sexual orientation	State has law that only covers sexual orientation	State has law that only covers sexual orientation		State has law that covers sexual orientation and gender identity
Wyoming

Data current as of 04/18/2019

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BREAKING! SUPREME COURT DECISION AFFIRMS NONDISCRIMINATION LAWS IN MASTERPIECE CAKESHOP RULING

Sexual Orientation Policy Tally

Gender Identity Policy Tally

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