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."
Rhode Island Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Rhode Island permits post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.
Rhode Island Custody and Visitation Law
There have been no cases dealing with gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender parents. Courts will allow a former same-sex partner (with no legal or biological relationship to the child(ren)) to petition for visitation.
Rhode Island Donor Insemination Law
There is no provision on donor insemination in Rhode Island state law.
Rhode Island Hate Crimes Law
State law covers hate crimes based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.
Rhode Island Healthcare Laws
State healthcare laws relating to the LGBT community in the areas of medical decision making and hospital visitation.
Rhode Island Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Rhode Island law does not have an explicit ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Same-sex couples have access to civil unions, which confers all state-level spousal rights for paries in a civil union.
Rhode Island Non-Discrimination Law
Rhode Island law protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Rhode Island School Laws
Rhode Island law does not explicitly address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the State Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education includes sexual orientation in its anti-discriminaton policy memo.
Rhode Island Sodomy Law
Rhode Island's sodomy law was repealed in 1998.
Rhode Island Surrogacy Law
Rhode Island law does not directly address surrogacy, but it appears to approve of at least some forms of surrogacy. The issue of surrogacy agreements involving lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals has not yet been considered by the courts.
