State Laws
Whether you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight-supportive, your state’s laws probably have a major impact on your life. State laws govern everything from the legal status of relationships between same-sex partners to the ability of transgender people to list their correct gender identity on their birth certificates. The Human Rights Campaign works with state leaders to advance the rights of LGBT people across the nation, from Alabama to Wyoming.
Here you can learn about the current laws affecting LGBT issues in your state, as well as state legislation — upcoming bills that could change the way you live. You can also learn more about what’s going on in your state and find out about local news, elections and volunteer opportunities.
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State Laws can be filtered by state or you can view the full list of Laws by selecting "All State Laws."
Mississippi Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Mississippi law and the state constitution both purport to ban recognition of marriages between same-sex couples. There are no other forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples in state law or policies.
Mississippi Non-Discrimination Law
Mississippi law does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation
Mississippi School Laws
Mississippi law does not address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Mississippi Sodomy Law
The Mississippi sodomy law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 26, 2003, as a result of the Court’s decision in Lawrence v. Texas.
Mississippi Surrogacy Law
It is unclear how Mississippi law would treat a surrogacy agreement that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals because there are no statutory provisions or published cases dealing with the issue of surrogacy. However, the blatant discrimination of Mississippi’s adoption law, which states that “couples of the same gender” may not petition to adopt a child, suggests that the law would not look favorably upon a surrogacy agreement involving LGBT individuals.
Missouri Adoption Law
Missouri Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Missouri permits post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.
Missouri Custody and Visitation Law
Missouri courts typically will not consider a parent’s sexual orientation in custody and visitation determinations unless it is shown to adversely affect or harm the children. Missouri courts have considered a parent’s gender identity or expression in making custody and visitation determinations. Missouri courts will allow a former same-sex partner (with no legal or biological relationship to the children) to petition for visitation.
Missouri Donor Insemination Law
There is no provision in Missouri law on donor insemination performed on an unmarried woman.
Missouri Hate Crimes Law
State law covers hate crimes based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
