LGBT rights in Massachusetts
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Massachusetts enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people.[2] The U.S. state of Massachusetts is one of the most LGBT-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.
LGBT rights in Massachusetts | |
---|---|
Status | Legal since 1974 (Commonwealth v. Balthazar); legislative repeal pending[1] |
Gender identity | Transgender people may change gender |
Discrimination protections | Yes, both sexual orientation and gender identity |
Family rights | |
Recognition of relationships | Same-sex marriage since 2004 |
Adoption | Yes |
Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1974, although Massachusetts still has not legislatively repealed its sodomy law.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 LGBT-friendly cities in the United States,[6] noted for its LGBT dating scene, events, nightlife, clubs and bars. Several towns located at the tip of Cape Cod are also famous internationally for their high LGBT acceptance and visibility, particularly Provincetown. Northampton, on the other hand, is the town with the most lesbian couples per capita in the entire United States.[7]