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."
Pennsylvania Custody and Visitation Law
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 child(ren). There have been no cases dealing with transgender parents. Courts will allow a former same-sex partner (with no legal or biological relationship to the child(ren)) to petition for visitation.
Pennsylvania Donor Insemination Law
There is no provision on donor insemination in Pennsylvania state law.
Pennsylvania Hate Crimes Law
State law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Pennsylvania Healthcare Laws
State healthcare laws relating to the LGBT community in the areas of medical decision making and hospital visitation.
Pennsylvania Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Pennsylvania law purports 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.
Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Law
Pennsylvania law does not address discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Pennsylvania School Law
Pennsylvania law does not address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Pennsylvania Sodomy Law
The Pennsylvania sodomy law was struck down in 1980.
Pennsylvania Surrogacy Law
Pennsylvania surrogacy law is ambiguous. It appears that a compensated surrogacy agreement would be held unenforceable; however, an arrangement established through a legally recognized agency seems to be legal. The validity of informal arrangements is even less certain.
