Question: Which States Have Employment Protection Laws for Gays and Lesbians?
As a federal ENDA is making its way through Congress. But many states already have laws that protect gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender employees. What states are they?
Answer: Thirteen states plus the District of Columbian (DC) have laws that protect against discrimination due to sexual orientation and gender identity. They are:
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- New Mexico
- California
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Hawaii
- New Jersey
- Washington
- Iowa
- Oregon (Beginning January 2008)
- Vermont
- Colorado
Seven states have laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation but NOT gender identity:
- Wisconsin
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- Maryland
- New York
Source: National Gay & Lesbian Task Force
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