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.
Select a State
State Laws can be filtered by state or you can view the full list of Laws by selecting "All State Laws."
Texas Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Texas 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.
Texas Non-Discrimination Law
Texas law does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Texas School Laws
Texas law does not explicitly address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Texas Sodomy Law
The Texas 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.
Texas Surrogacy Law
Texas law explicitly allows gestational surrogacy (in which the surrogate mother is not the biological contributor of the egg) agreements, but it appears to exclude same-sex couples.
Utah Adoption Law
Utah Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Utah permits post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.
Utah Custody and Visitation Law
Utah courts have used a parent’s sexual orientation to deny, restrict or modify custody and visitation. There are no reported or published opinions dealing with transgender parents or same-sex co-parents.
Utah Donor Insemination Law
Utah law is unclear on the issue of donor insemination.
Utah Hate Crimes Law
State law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
