LGBTQ rights in Montana

Last updated

LGBTQ rights in Montana
Map of U.S. - MT.svg
Status Legal since 1997
(Gryczan v. State)
Legislative repeal in 2013
Gender identity Transgender people no longer allowed to change legal gender since 2022
Discrimination protections Sexual orientation and gender identity protected in employment
Family rights
Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage since 2014
Adoption Same-sex couples allowed to adopt

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Montana may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Montana since 1997. Same-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are eligible for all of the protections available to opposite-sex married couples, as same-sex marriage has been recognized since November 2014. State statutes do not address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. A number of cities also provide protections in housing and public accommodations.

Contents

History

Among Native Americans, perceptions towards gender and sexuality were very different from that of the Western world. Among the Blackfeet people, the a'yai-kik-ahsi (literally acts like a woman) are male-bodied individuals who behave, dress, and live as women. Likewise, female-bodied individuals who act and behave as men are known as awau-katsik-saki (literally warrior woman) or ninauh-oskiti-pahpyaki (literally manly-hearted woman). The Gros Ventre, the Cheyenne, the Assiniboine and the Crow refer to male-to-female individuals as athuth , he'émáné'e, wįktą and bate (or badé), respectively, whereas female-to-male people are known as hetanémáné'e among the Cheyenne. The bate would perform domestic tasks (such as cooking and needlework), dress as women and even marry. Osh-Tisch, one of the most famous Crow bate, and others were forced by an American agent in the 1890s to wear male clothes and perform manual labor, to which the other Crows protested "saying it was against [their] nature". [1]

The Montana Territory adopted its first criminal code in 1865. It included a provision prohibiting sodomy ("crime against nature") with five years' to life imprisonment. In 1878, Montana saw one of the earliest recorded sodomy cases in the United States; in Territory v. Mahaffey, a man was convicted of sexual relations with a 14-year-old boy. In 1915, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that fellatio (oral sex), whether heterosexual and homosexual, was also criminal. Over the years, the courts convicted multiple people of sodomy, even consenting adults. [2]

In 1972, the Montana Legislature rejected a proposal that read "private sexual acts between consenting adults do not constitute a crime", by a 69–16 vote. In 1973, a new criminal code was enacted. Sodomy was renamed "deviate sexual conduct", made applicable only to people of the same sex (thus legalizing heterosexual oral and anal sex), and punishable by up to ten years' imprisonment and a possible fine of 50,000 dollars. [2] A 1989 sex offender registration law further required anyone convicted of sodomy to register with the local chief of police and report any change in address.

In 2023, Montana passed Senate Bill 458 defining sex as only male or female. [3] However, in 2024, a district court judge struck down the law because it did not state its purpose. [4]

Legality of same-sex sexual activity

Montana revised its Criminal Code in 1973 and retained its anti-sodomy statute. In 1991, the Montana Legislature made its rape and sexual assault laws gender-neutral, providing for a uniform penalty for both heterosexual and homosexual rape (minimum two years' imprisonment). Attempts to repeal the state's sodomy law failed in 1993 and 1995. In 1997, the Montana Supreme Court held in Gryczan v. State that the state law prohibiting same-sex sexual contact between consenting adults was unconstitutional. [5] Justice James C. Nelson, writing for the 6–1 majority, stated: [2]

It cannot seriously be argued that Respondents do not have a subjective or actual expectation of privacy in their sexual activities. With few exceptions not at issue here, all adults regardless of gender, fully and properly expect that their consensual sexual activities will not be subject to the prying eyes of others or to governmental snooping and regulation. Quite simply, consenting adults expect that neither the state nor their neighbors will be co-habitants of their bedrooms.

Attempts to repeal the statute failed in 1999, 2001 and 2011. [6]

On February 20, 2013, the Montana State Senate passed a bill, by a vote of 38 to 11 vote, that repealed part of the sodomy statute dealing with consenting adults. On April 10, 2013, the Montana House of Representatives passed the bill by a vote of 64 to 35. Governor Steve Bullock signed the legislation into law on April 18. [7] [8]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

A federal court ruled the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional on November 19, 2014. Judge Brian Morris issued an injunction against the state's enforcement of its ban that took effect immediately. The state's appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals was mooted when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015 that Ohio's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, striking down every remaining state ban. [9]

Montana voters had adopted a constitutional amendment in November 2004 that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. [10] Similar restrictions appear in the state statutes. [11]

The Montana Supreme Court recognized a common law same-sex marriage as retroactively valid in Adami v. Nelson on December 10, 2019. [12]

Adoption and parenting

Montana permits adoption by individuals, and there are no explicit prohibitions on adoption by same-sex couples or on second-parent adoption. Lesbian couples have access to assisted reproduction services, such as in vitro fertilization. State law recognizes the non-genetic, non-gestational mother as a legal parent to a child born via donor insemination, but only if the parents are married. [13]

Montana law does not regulate the practice of surrogacy, but courts are generally favorable to the process. Generally, courts will grant pre-birth parentage orders to married or unmarried couples and individuals when there is a genetic relationship to the child. The availability of parentage orders to individuals and couples with no genetic link to a child is more often determined on a case-by-case basis. Couples using the traditional surrogacy process may require a post-birth hearing or adoption to obtain legal rights to their child. [14]

In Kulstad v. Maniaci, Barbara Maniaci refused to allow Michelle Kulstad to see the children they had raised together and who had legally been adopted only by Maniaci, but the trial court sided with Kulstad and granted her parental rights. The Montana Supreme Court affirmed this ruling 6–1 on October 7, 2009, setting precedent allowing for future stepparent adoptions by same-sex couples statewide. [15] [16]

Discrimination protections

Map of Montana counties and cities that had sexual orientation and/or gender identity anti-employment discrimination ordinances prior to Bostock
.mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}
Sexual orientation and gender identity with anti-employment discrimination ordinance
Sexual orientation and gender identity in public employment
No anti-discrimination ordinance1
1Since 2020 as a result of Bostock, discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity in public and private employment is outlawed throughout the state. Discrimination against state employees by reason of their sexual orientation has been illegal since 2000, and gender identity since 2016. Montana counties and cities with sexual orientation and gender identity protection.svg
Map of Montana counties and cities that had sexual orientation and/or gender identity anti–employment discrimination ordinances prior to Bostock
  Sexual orientation and gender identity with anti–employment discrimination ordinance
  Sexual orientation and gender identity in public employment
  No anti-discrimination ordinance¹
¹Since 2020 as a result of Bostock, discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity in public and private employment is outlawed throughout the state. Discrimination against state employees by reason of their sexual orientation has been illegal since 2000, and gender identity since 2016.

Montana, by executive order, prohibits discrimination on the bias of sexual orientation and gender identity in state employment and state (sub)contractors. In 2000, Governor Marc Racicot first issued state personnel rules prohibiting discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation with respect to employment by state government. [17] In November 2008, Governor Brian Schweitzer issued Executive Order No. 41-2008, broadening the government non-discrimination provisions. [18] In January 2016, Governor Steve Bullock expanded the protections to cover gender identity and expanded it to state contractors and subcontractors. [19]

On February 23, 2011, the Montana House of Representatives passed, by a 62–37 vote, a bill that would have prohibited local municipalities from adopting anti-discrimination categories not protected in the state law. The bill died in the Montana State Senate's Standing Committee on April 28, 2011. [20]

The following Montana jurisdictions have ordinances prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in both public and private employment, housing and public accommodations: Bozeman, [21] Butte-Silver Bow County, [22] Helena, [23] Missoula, [24] and Whitefish. [25] Missoula County prohibits discrimination against county employees only. [26]

In April 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte signed legislation into law granting people the right to discriminate if their religious beliefs are "substantially burdened". The bill is widely viewed as allowing a "license to discriminate" against LGBTQ people. [27]

Bostock v. Clayton County

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County, consolidated with Altitude Express, Inc. v. Zarda , and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is discrimination on the basis of sex, and Title VII therefore protects LGBT employees from discrimination. [28] [29] [30]

Hate crime law

Montana's hate crime statutes do not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected grounds. [31] Hate crimes committed on the basis of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity can be prosecuted in federal courts under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was signed into law in October 2009 by President Barack Obama.

Transgender rights

Birth certificates

Since September 10, 2022, Montana does not allow people to change "identification of sex on birth certificates". A gender marker can only be corrected based on the results of a DNA test or proof of a data entry error. [32] [33] [34] However, this prohibition is not yet enforced. On September 15, a judge blocked Montana from enforcing this law, [35] and a week later, the state Department of Public Health and Human Services agreed to comply with the judge's order. [36]

On February 22, 2023, a bill was introduced that would prohibit gender marker changes on all identity documents. [37]

Montana has had various rules in the past. Until 2017, Montana required sex reassignment surgery and clinical treatment before updating a person's birth certificate. Then, in December 2017, Montana removed the requirement for surgery. It began allowing transgender individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificate by submitting to the Department of Public Health and Human Services a "Correction Affidavit" signed by the applicant, a completed "Gender Designation Form" and a certified copy of a court order indicating that the gender has been changed. The Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice would change the sex designation on a driver's license and state ID card upon receipt of a letter from a doctor confirming that the applicant is in the process or has completed the process of changing gender. [38]

In April 2021, the Montana Legislature passed a bill to reintroduce the requirement for “surgical procedures” and obtain a court order. Governor Greg Gianforte signed the bill into law effective immediately. [39] [40] The ACLU sued in federal and state courts in July 2021, claiming that the term “surgical procedure” was vague and that the rule put transgender individuals at risk of harassment, discrimination and violence. [41] [42] In April 2022, a federal judge agreed that the bill had "no clear legal definitions of what sexual reassignment surgery actually means" and blocked its enforcement. [43] Nonetheless, in May 2022, the Department of Public Health and Human Services adopted a "temporary emergency rule" banning birth certificate updates, and the rule was announced as permanent several months later. [32]

Bathrooms

In June 2018, it was revealed that a conservative initiative to require transgender people to use public bathrooms corresponding to their birth sex had failed to collect the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot. [44]

Healthcare access

On April 28, 2023, Governor Gianforte signed a ban on gender affirming care for trans minors. [45] This Montana law was believed to be the most comprehensive prohibition against gender-affirming healthcare that has ever existed anywhere in the United States. [46] The law was due to take effect at the end of September, but on September 27, Montana District Court Judge Jason Marks halted it. Marks cited the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County that "it is impossible to discriminate against a person for being ... transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex." He ruled that the Montana law "discriminates based on transgender status" and thus "inherently classifies based on sex." [47] He further wrote that the law "does not serve its purported compelling interest of protecting minors and shielding them from pressure" and that it serves "no compelling governmental interest". [48]

Sports

The Montana Legislature passed legislation in April 2021 banning transgender individuals from participating in public school sports and athletics. Governor Gianforte signed the bill into law in May 2021. [49] [50] [51] [52] The bill passed with an amendment stating that if the federal government pulled education funding for Montana, the law would become void. In September 2022, a judge invalidated the Montana law on banning transgender individuals playing sport for being against the state constitution. [53]

Censure of Zooey Zephyr

On April 18, 2023, the first openly trans rep in the state of Montana, Zooey Zephyr, admonished those who supported a bill to prohibit gender-affirming medical and surgical care for transgender minors. She first commented, "...If you are forcing a trans child to go through puberty when they are trans, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed." When this remark triggered an objection from Republican majority leader Sue Vinton, Zephyr replied, "The only thing I will say is if you vote 'yes' on this bill and 'yes' on these amendments, I hope the next time there's an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands." [54] This prompted backlash from House Republicans. The Montana Freedom Caucus issued a statement misgendering Zephyr and calling for her censure. [55] [56] Zephyr stood by her words, and House Minority Leader Kim Abbott defended her, describing the statement as "blatantly disrespectful and the farthest thing imaginable from the 'commitment to civil discourse' that these letter writers demand". [57] Thereafter, Speaker Matt Regier refused to let Zephyr speak on any bills despite no censure having taken place. [58]

On April 24, about 100 people gathered at a rally in support of Zephyr, prompting heavy police presence. That afternoon, when Zephyr was again denied speaking privileges, prompting all Democratic lawmakers to stand in protest, all but two Republican members of the chamber’s supermajority again voted to uphold Regier’s ruling. At that point, protesters in the House Gallery began chanting, "let her speak," resulting in a half-hour delay in proceedings as riot police were brought in to clear the gallery. Most Democratic legislators remained in the House chambers, mostly in the wings, but Republican lawmakers evacuated the room. Zephyr remained at her desk on the floor, silently holding aloft a microphone. Seven people were arrested, and after booking were released without needing to post bail. [59] [60] [61]

On April 26, a hearing was held to vote on a proposal to sanction Zephyr's actions during the protest on April 24. After a speech by Zephyr and a brief debate limited to three speakers on each side, the House voted 68–32 along party lines to bar Zephyr from the House floor, gallery, and antechamber until the adjournment of the 2023 session the first week of May. She was allowed the option to vote remotely for the remainder of the session. [62] [63] [64] [65]

Sex education parental opt-in

In May 2021, the Montana Legislature and Governor Greg Gianforte passed, signed and approved a law that requires a "parental opt-in" for K-12 school students within Montana before sex education can be taught in classrooms. [66]

Drag queen ban

In May 2023, the Governor of Montana signed a bill into law effective immediately passed by the Montana Legislature that explicitly bans drag queens reading books to children in Libraries - the toughest laws so far within the United States on the subject and does not contain legal loopholes (such as the "dressing up as drag of a sexual nature done by individuals", within Tennessee and Florida as examples). [67] [68] Shortly after the law was signed, a local library in Butte-Silver Bow county cancelled a reading given by a transgender woman, citing the law. [69] [70]

Public opinion

A 2022 Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) opinion poll found that 70% of Montana residents supported same-sex marriage, while 29% opposed it and 1% were unsure. Additionally, 72% supported an anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity. 29% were opposed. [71]

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes check.svg (Since 1997; codified 2013)
Equal age of consent Yes check.svg
Anti-discrimination laws in employment Yes check.svg (Since 2020, under Bostock v. Clayton County )
Anti-discrimination laws in housing X mark.svg / Yes check.svg (In some cities and counties)
Anti-discrimination laws in public accommodations X mark.svg / Yes check.svg (In some cities and counties)
Same-sex marriages Yes check.svg / X mark.svg (Since 2014, disputed in the Crow, Northern Cheyenne and Fort Belknap reservations) [72] [73] [74]
Stepchild and joint adoption by same-sex couples Yes check.svg
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve openly in the military Yes check.svg (Since 2011)
Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military Yes check.svg (Since 2021) [75]
Intersex people allowed to serve openly in the military X mark.svg (Current DoD policy bans "hermaphrodites" from serving or enlisting in the military) [76]
Conversion therapy banned on minors X mark.svg
Gay panic defense banned X mark.svg
Right to change legal sex on a birth certificate X mark.svg (Since 2022) [77]
Access to IVF for lesbian couples Yes check.svg
Surrogacy arrangements for gay male couples Yes check.svg
MSMs allowed to donate blood Yes check.svg / X mark.svg (Since 2020; 3-month deferral period) [78]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Utah</span>

The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Utah have significantly evolved in the 21st century. Protective laws have become increasingly enacted since 2014, despite the state's reputation as socially conservative and highly religious. Utah's anti-sodomy law was invalidated in 2003 by Lawrence v. Texas, and fully repealed by the state legislature in 2019. Same-sex marriage has been legal since the state's ban was ruled unconstitutional by federal courts in 2014. In addition, statewide anti-discrimination laws now cover sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and housing, and the use of conversion therapy on minors is prohibited. In spite of this, there are still a few differences between the treatment of LGBTQ people and the rest of the population, and the rights of transgender youth are restricted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in New Hampshire</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of New Hampshire enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people, with most advances in LGBT rights occurring in the state within the past two decades. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in New Hampshire, and the state began offering same-sex couples the option of forming a civil union on January 1, 2008. Civil unions offered most of the same protections as marriages with respect to state law, but not the federal benefits of marriage. Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has been legally allowed since January 1, 2010, and one year later New Hampshire's civil unions expired, with all such unions converted to marriages. New Hampshire law has also protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation since 1998 and gender identity since 2018. Additionally, a conversion therapy ban on minors became effective in the state in January 2019. In effect since January 1, 2024, the archaic common-law "gay panic defence" was formally abolished; by legislation implemented within August 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Louisiana</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Louisiana may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Louisiana as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in the state since June 2015 as a result of the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in West Virginia</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of West Virginia face legal challenges not faced by non-LGBT persons. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1976, and same-sex marriage has been recognized since October 2014. West Virginia statutes do not address discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in New Jersey</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of New Jersey have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. LGBT individuals in New Jersey enjoy strong protections from discrimination, and have had the same marriage rights as heterosexual people since October 21, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Massachusetts</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Massachusetts enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. The U.S. state of Massachusetts is one of the most LGBT-supportive states in the country. In 2004, it became the first U.S. state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, and the sixth jurisdiction worldwide, after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Vermont</span>

Vermont is seen as one of the most liberal states in the U.S. in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights, with most progress in jurisprudence having occurred in the late 20th and the early 21st centuries. Vermont was one of 37 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, that issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples prior to the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, establishing equal marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Connecticut</span>

The establishment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the U.S. state of Connecticut is a recent phenomenon, with most advances in LGBT rights taking place in the late 20th century and early 21st century. Connecticut was the second U.S. state to enact two major pieces of pro-LGBT legislation; the repeal of the sodomy law in 1971 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2008. State law bans unfair discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations, and both conversion therapy and the gay panic defense are outlawed in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Maine</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Maine have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in Maine since December 2012, following a referendum in which a majority of voters approved an initiative to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in the areas of employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. In addition, the use of conversion therapy on minors has been outlawed since 2019, and joint adoption is permitted for same-sex couples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Iowa</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the U.S. state of Iowa have evolved significantly in the 21st century. Iowa began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on April 27, 2009 following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court, making Iowa the fourth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples may also adopt, and state laws ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Oregon</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Oregon have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Oregon, and same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since May 2014 when a federal judge declared the state's ban on such marriages unconstitutional. Previously, same-sex couples could only access domestic partnerships, which guaranteed most of the rights of marriage. Additionally, same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations is outlawed in the state under the Oregon Equality Act, enacted in 2008. Conversion therapy on minors is also illegal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Arkansas</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Arkansas face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Arkansas. Same-sex marriage became briefly legal through a court ruling on May 9, 2014, subject to court stays and appeals. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that laws banning same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States nationwide including in Arkansas. Nonetheless, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was not banned in Arkansas until the Supreme Court banned it nationwide in Bostock v. Clayton County in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Arizona</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Arizona may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Arizona, and same-sex couples are able to marry and adopt. Nevertheless, the state provides only limited protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Several cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, have enacted ordinances to protect LGBTQ people from unfair discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Indiana</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the U.S. state of Indiana have been shaped by both state and federal law. These evolved from harsh penalties established early in the state's history to the decriminalization of same-sex activity in 1977 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014. Indiana was subject to an April 2017 federal court ruling that discrimination based on sexual orientation is tantamount to discrimination on account of "sex", as defined by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ruling establishes sexual orientation as a protected characteristic in the workplace, forbidding unfair discrimination, although Indiana state statutes do not include sexual orientation or gender identity among its categories of discrimination.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Virginia</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Virginia enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. LGBT rights in the state are a relatively recent occurrence; with most improvements in LGBT rights occurring in the 2000s and 2010s. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Virginia since October 6, 2014, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal in the case of Bostic v. Rainey. Effective July 1, 2020, there is a state-wide law protecting LGBT persons from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. The state's hate crime laws also now explicitly include both sexual orientation and gender identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in South Dakota</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of South Dakota may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in South Dakota, and same-sex marriages have been recognized since June 2015 as a result of Obergefell v. Hodges. State statutes do not address discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in South Carolina</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of South Carolina may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in South Carolina as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, although the state legislature has not repealed its sodomy laws. Same-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are eligible for all of the protections available to opposite-sex married couples. However, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is not banned statewide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Idaho</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Idaho face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Idaho, and same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since October 2014. State statutes do not address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. A number of cities and counties provide further protections, namely in housing and public accommodations. A 2019 Public Religion Research Institute opinion poll showed that 71% of Idahoans supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBTQ people, and a 2016 survey by the same pollster found majority support for same-sex marriage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Kansas</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Kansas have federal protections, but many face some legal challenges on the state level that are not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Kansas under the US Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas, although the state legislature has not repealed its sodomy laws that only apply to same-sex sexual acts. The state has prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations since 2020. Proposed bills restricting preferred gender identity on legal documents, bans on transgender people in women's sports, bathroom use restrictions, among other bills were vetoed numerous times by Democratic Governor Laura Kelly since 2021. However, many of Kelly's vetoes were overridden by the Republican supermajority in the Kansas legislature and became law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Oklahoma</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Oklahoma face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Oklahoma as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, although the state legislature has not repealed its sodomy laws. Both same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples have been permitted since October 2014. State statutes do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal. This practice may still continue, as Oklahoma is an at-will employment state and it is still legal to fire an employee without requiring the employer to disclose any reason.

References

  1. Sabine Lang, Men as Women, Women as Men ISBN   0292777957, 2010
  2. 1 2 3 Painter, George. "The Sensibilities of Our Forefathers". Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest. Retrieved May 2, 2019.
  3. Hanson, Amy Beth (2023-05-22). "Montana governor signs law to define 'sex' as only male or female". AP News. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  4. "Judge strikes down Montana law defining sex as only male or female for procedural reasons". AP News. 2024-06-26. Retrieved 2024-06-26.
  5. Jason Pierceson, Courts, Liberalism, and Rights: Gay Law and Politics in the United States and Canada (Temple University Press, 2005), 83-5, available online, accessed April 14, 2011
  6. Billings Gazette: Charles S. Johnson, "Montana House refuses to blast gay sex ban bill out of committee," March 29, 2011, accessed April 14, 2011
  7. "SB 107". Laws.leg.mt.gov. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  8. "Montana axes obsolete sodomy law". San Diego Gay & Lesbian News. April 19, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2013.
  9. Johnson, Chris (November 19, 2014). "Judge strikes down Montana ban on same-sex marriage". Washington Blade. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
  10. CNN: 2004 Ballot Measures, accessed April 14, 2011
  11. Human Resources Campaign: Montana Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law Archived May 24, 2011, at the Wayback Machine , accessed April 14, 2011
  12. Adami v. Nelson (In re J.K.N.A.), 398 Mont. 72, 454 P.3d 642, 2019 MT 286 (Mont. 2019)
  13. "Montana's equality profile". Movement Advancement Project.
  14. "What You Need to Know About Surrogacy in Montana". American Surrogacy.
  15. Dennison, Mike (October 7, 2009). "Justice: Discrimination against gays 'a prevalent societal cancer grounded in bigotry and hate'" . Missoulian . Retrieved October 22, 2015.
  16. Human Resources Campaign: Montana Adoption Law Archived February 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , accessed April 14, 2011
  17. "Montana – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Documentation of Discrimination" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 14, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  18. "Executive Order No. 41-2008" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 21, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  19. "Montana Governor Steve Bullock Signs Executive Order Protecting LGBT State Employees". Archived from the original on February 3, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  20. "MT HB516 | 2011 | Regular Session". Legiscan.com. Retrieved June 29, 2014.
  21. "Bozeman, Mont., adopts LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance". LGBTQ Nation. June 3, 2014.
  22. Smith, Mike (February 20, 2014). "Butte-Silver Bow commissioners OK anti-discrimination law". Missoulian . Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  23. Talwani, Sanjay (December 18, 2012). "Nondiscrimination ordinance passes unanimously in Helena". Billings Gazette. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
  24. Szpaller, Keila (April 14, 2010). "Missoula City Council makes history in adopting non-discrimination law" . Missoulian . Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  25. "Whitefish council unanimously passes nondiscrimination ordinance". NBC Montana. April 6, 2016.
  26. "Human Resources – Job Listings". Missoula County. Missoula County will not refuse employment or discriminate in compensation, benefits, or the other terms, conditions and privileges of employment based upon: [...] sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression
  27. Holmes, Juwan (April 25, 2021). "Montana grants religious exemption to discrimination laws & hate groups are cheering". LGBTQ Nation.
  28. Biskupic, Joan (June 16, 2020). "Two conservative justices joined decision expanding LGBTQ rights". CNN.
  29. "US Supreme Court backs protection for LGBT workers". BBC News. June 15, 2020.
  30. Liptak, Adam (June 15, 2020). "Civil Rights Law Protects Gay and Transgender Workers, Supreme Court Rules". The New York Times.
  31. Human Resources Campaign: Montana Hate Crimes Law Archived March 11, 2012, at the Wayback Machine , accessed April 14, 2011
  32. 1 2 "NOTICE OF REPEAL OF TEMPORARY EMERGENCY RULE (Montana Administrative Register 37-1001)" (PDF). MT.gov. August 30, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  33. Brown, Matthew (September 9, 2022). "Montana permanently blocks transgender people from changing their birth certificates". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  34. Riess, Rebekah (September 10, 2022). "Montana health department adopts rule severely restricting changes of sex on birth certificates". CNN. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  35. Brown, Matthew; Hanson, Amy Beth (September 15, 2022). "Montana Defies Order On Transgender Birth Certificates". HuffPost. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  36. "Montana Accepting Transgender Birth Certificate Changes". Flathead Beacon. September 23, 2022. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  37. "Montana SB458 | 2023 | Regular Session". LegiScan. February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  38. Montana, National Center for Transgender Equality
  39. "Governor approves limiting sex change on birth certificates". ABC News .
  40. "MT SB280". LegiScan.
  41. Bollinger, Alex (July 19, 2021). "Trans people sue Montana over new surgery requirement for birth certificate corrections". LGBTQ Nation . Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  42. "ACLU files suit over Montana transgender birth certificate law". 19 July 2021.
  43. "Judge blocks Montana's transgender birth certificate law". 22 April 2022.
  44. Welch, Liz (July 5, 2018). "Montana Joins the List of States that Have Rejected Anti-Trans Discrimination". American Civil Liberties Union . Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  45. Hanson, Amy Beth (April 28, 2023). "Montana latest to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors". Associated Press. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  46. "Human Rights Campaign Slams Gianforte for Making Draconian Gender Affirming Care Ban Even Worse". Human Rights Campaign . April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
  47. Montana Fourth Judicial District Court (September 27, 2023). "Order granting plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction" (PDF). ACLU. pp. 24–25. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  48. Montana Fourth Judicial District Court (September 27, 2023). "Order granting plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction" (PDF). ACLU. p. 34. Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  49. Silvers, Mara (May 7, 2021). "Gianforte signs bill prohibiting transgender athletes from women's high school, college sports". Missoula Current. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  50. Michels, Holly. "Montana governor signs bill targeting transgender athletes". missoulian.com. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  51. "MT lawmakers pass anti-transgender athlete bill, headed to governor's desk". KULR8. Helena. April 23, 2021.
  52. Schubert, Keith (April 23, 2021). "Bill banning transgender women athletes reaches Montana governor's desk". Missoula Current.
  53. Russell, John (September 19, 2022). "Judge ends Montana's trans sports ban for violating state constitution". LGBTQ Nation . Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  54. Silvers, Mara (April 19, 2023). "Ban of medical care for transgender minors clears legislative hurdle". Montana Free Press. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  55. Migdon, Brooke (April 19, 2023). "Montana GOP caucus calls for censure of legislature's only openly transgender member". The Hill. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  56. Hansford, Amelia (April 19, 2023). "Trans Montana lawmaker condemned by Republicans for powerful speech in support of trans healthcare". Pink News. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  57. Hanson, Amy Beth (April 19, 2023). "Montana Republicans want censure while misgendering lawmaker". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  58. Margolis, Josh (April 21, 2023). "Republicans refuse to recognize House Democrat due to previous remarks". NBC Montana. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  59. "'Let her speak!': protests after Montana Republicans silence trans lawmaker". The Guardian. Associated Press. April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  60. Miller, Blair (April 25, 2023). "At least seven arrested after protest in gallery in support of Rep. Zephyr". Daily Montanan. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  61. "Seven arrested in Montana after protesting silencing of trans lawmaker". Washington Post. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  62. Robbins, Jim; Tumin, Remy; Fortin, Jacey (April 26, 2023). "Montana House to Vote on Discipline of Transgender Lawmaker". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  63. "Montana House votes to bar transgender Representative from House floor". KXLH News Helena. April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  64. Robbins, Jim; Tumin, Remy; Fortin, Jacey (April 26, 2023). "Montana House Votes to Discipline Transgender Lawmaker". The New York Times. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  65. "Who is Zooey Zephyr, the trans lawmaker banned from her own House in Montana?". Washington Post. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
  66. "Montana Just Passed a Bill Limiting Access to Sex Education". May 11, 2021.
  67. "Montana first to ban drag performers from reading to children in schools, libraries". NBC News . Associated Press. May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  68. Sprayregen, Molly (May 24, 2023). "Montana passes drag ban that targets story hours". LGBTQ Nation . Retrieved May 25, 2023.
  69. Thompson, Meagan (June 1, 2023). "Butte-Silver Bow County cancels transgender speaker at library over concerns of violating new state law". 4 KXLF Butte . Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  70. Margolis, Josh (June 1, 2023). "Butte library cancels event with transgender speaker". NBC Montana . Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  71. "The American Values Atlas". Public Religion Research Institute .
  72. "Title 10 : Domestic Relations, Law and Order Code of the Crow Tribe of Montana" (PDF). indianlaw.mt.gov. Retrieved January 28, 2022.
  73. "Title VIII : Domestic Relations, Tribal Code of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe" (PDF). www.narf.org.
  74. "Title V Family Court Act" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 22, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
  75. Baldor, Lolita; Miller, Zeke (January 25, 2021). "Biden reverses Trump ban on transgender people in military". Associated Press.
  76. "Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military". Military.com. May 10, 2021.
  77. "Montana permanently blocks transgender people from changing their birth certificates". PBS NewsHour. September 9, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
  78. McNamara, Audrey (April 2, 2020). "FDA eases blood donation requirements for gay men amid 'urgent' shortage". CBS News.