Question: Which States Have Employment Protection Laws for Gays and Lesbians?
There is no Federal Employment non-discrimination act, but some states protect gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender employees. What states have ENDAs?
Answer: Fifteen 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
- Vermont
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Nevada
Six states have laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation but NOT gender identity:
- Wisconsin
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Maryland
- New York
- Delaware
Source: National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, updated 9/5/11
