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."
South Dakota School Laws
South Dakota law does not address school issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.
South Dakota Sodomy Law
The South Dakota sodomy law was repealed in 1977.
South Dakota Surrogacy Law
It is unclear how South Dakota law would treat a surrogacy agreement that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals because there are no statutory provisions or published cases dealing with the issue of surrogacy.
Tennessee Adoption Law
Tennessee Birth Certificate Law: Gender Identity Issues
Tennessee does not permit post-operative transsexuals to amend their sex on their birth certificates.
Tennessee Custody and Visitation Law
Tennessee 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 children. There are no reported or published opinions dealing with transgender parents. Tennessee courts have not granted custody or visitation rights to the non-biological parent of a child.
Tennessee Donor Insemination Law
There is no provision in Tennessee law on donor insemination performed on an unmarried woman.
Tennessee Hate Crimes Law
State law covers hate crimes based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.
Tennessee Healthcare Laws
State healthcare laws relating to the LGBT community in the areas of medical decision making and hospital visitation.
Tennessee Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
Tennessee 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.
