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."
California Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
California domestic partnership registration allows same-sex couples the opportunity to formalize relationships.
California Non-Discrimination Law
California law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, appearance and behavior and sexual orientation.
California School Laws
California Sodomy Law
California Surrogacy Law
California is accepting of surrogacy agreements and would likely uphold agreements that include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. While the state has no statute directly addressing surrogacy, California’s courts have used the state’s Uniform Parentage Act to interpret several cases concerning surrogacy agreements. In fact, one of the most influential cases in the country regarding surrogacy rights (Johnson v. Calvert) was decided in California.
Colorado Adoption Law
Colorado Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Colorado permits post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.
Colorado Custody and Visitation Law
Courts typically will not consider a parent’s sexual orientation or gender identity in custody and visitation determinations unless it is shown to adversely affect or harm the children. Courts will allow a former same-sex partner (with no legal or biological relationship to the children) to petition for parental responsibilities.
Colorado Donor Insemination Law
Colorado law permits unmarried women to undergo donor insemination.
Colorado Hate Crimes Law
State law covers hate crimes based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
