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."

New Mexico Sodomy Law

The New Mexico sodomy law was repealed in 1975.

New Mexico Surrogacy Law

New Mexico law appears to only permit uncompensated surrogacy agreements. The issue of surrogacy agreements involving lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals has not yet been considered by the courts.

New York Adoption Law

New York Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues

The state of New York permits post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.

New York Custody and Visitation Law

Courts typically will not consider a parent’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in custody and visitation determinations unless it is shown to adversely affect or harm the child(ren). Courts have not granted custody or visitation rights to the non-biological parent of a child.