LGBTQ+ Protections
by State
State anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage protections, and hostile legislation tracker. Updated 2026.
19
States with strong protections
9
States with moderate protections
4
States with weak protections
18
States with hostile legislation
Strong Protections
19 states
Comprehensive anti-discrimination laws covering employment, housing, and public accommodations. Marriage equality reinforced by state law.
California
strongColorado
strongConnecticut
strongDelaware
strongHawaii
strongIllinois
strongMaine
strongMaryland
strongMassachusetts
strongMichigan
strongMinnesota
strongNew Jersey
strongNew Mexico
strongNew York
strongOregon
strongRhode Island
strongVermont
strongVirginia
strongWashington
strongModerate Protections
9 states
Some anti-discrimination protections but gaps remain. Generally safe, with some legislative friction.
Alaska
moderateArizona
moderateMontana
moderateNevada
moderateNew Hampshire
moderateOhio
moderatePennsylvania
moderateUtah
moderateWisconsin
moderateWeak Protections
4 states
Limited or no state-level anti-discrimination laws. Relying primarily on federal protections.
Hostile Legislation
18 states
Active legislation targeting LGBTQ+ residents. Don't Ask Don't Tell policies, gender-affirming care bans, or bathroom bills enacted.
Alabama
hostileArkansas
hostileFlorida
hostileGeorgia
hostileIdaho
hostileIndiana
hostileKentucky
hostileLouisiana
hostileMississippi
hostileMissouri
hostileNorth Dakota
hostileOklahoma
hostileSouth Carolina
hostileSouth Dakota
hostileTennessee
hostileTexas
hostileWest Virginia
hostileWyoming
hostileSources: Movement Advancement Project (MAP), ACLU State Legislative Tracker, Human Rights Campaign State Equality Index, NCSL. Ratings reflect enacted law as of May 2026 — legislative status changes frequently. Click any state for full details.