LGBTQIA+ Rights

We envision a world in which all LGBTQ+ people can live openly, freely, and fully.

In front of a Barnes & Nobles, a crowd stands in front of a stage. Several people are holding signs, LGBTQIA+ flags, etc.

The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people have been a touchstone of the ACLU of Connecticut's legal and legislative work. In 2008, we joined the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders to win the fight to legalize same-sex marriage in our state. In 2011, we helped win passage of a gender identity law that makes it illegal to discriminate against transgender people in employment, housing, public education, accommodations and commercial transactions. In 2016, we successfully pushed for a law to prevent discrimination in our state military departments, such as the National Guard, against people on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender. And in 2017, we helped to pass a law to protect LGBTQIA+ youth from harmful conversion "therapy."

We envision a world in which all LGBTQIA+ people can live openly, freely, and fully. We seek to defend trans children's rights in schools and sports, to advance access to gender-affirming care, to protect LGBTQIA+ people in and from the criminal legal system, and to create a world where LGBTQIA+ people can live authentically without discrimination, harassment, or violence.

The Latest

News & Commentary
There is a crowd of folks rallying for reproductive justice. The focus is on one femme-presenting person with a beanie and a sign up in the air that is a black poster that says "Our Voice is Our Power."

Slowing, Shutting Down, and Reversing Trump’s March to Autocracy

ACLU of Connecticut executive director David McGuire shares insight into how we can collectively act and organize to slow, shut down, and reverse the country's march towards autocracy under the Trump administration.
News & Commentary
A group of women are standing in a hearing room at the Capitol, holding signs that says "Undocumented + Unafraid" and "Strengthen the Trust Act Now!"

Reflecting on the 2025 Legislative Session

The 2025 legislative session has come to a close, and it was certainly a trying session for all. In a session where roughly 3,800 bills were introduced, only about 380 bills were passed, rounding up to a passing rate of about ten percent.
Press Release
Breaking News ACLU of Connecticut

ACLU of Connecticut Sends Rejoinder to Suffield Library About Book Policies, LGBTQIA+ Advocates Weigh In

Issue Areas: Free Speech, Youth and Student Rights, LGBTQIA+ Rights
Resource
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Firewalls for Freedom

Legislation
Apr 05, 2023

SR 42, A Resolution Proposing a State Constitutional Amendment Concerning a Right to Privacy

As the U.S. Supreme Court has turned its back on nearly fifty years of precedent on the right to privacy, a lack of access to reproductive health services, including abortion, is already threatening people’s lives and futures across the country.
Position: Support
Legislation
Mar 14, 2023

SB 10, An Act Supporting Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs, Health Care Coverage, Transparency in Health Care Costs, Home and Community-Based Support for Vulnerable Persons and Rights Regarding Gender Identity and Expression

Transgender people in particular face many barriers in receiving health care, including treatments specifically related to gender transition and gender affirmation.
Position: Support
Legislation
Mar 14, 2023

HB 6866, An Act Concerning the Updating of State Forms and Applications to Include a Nonbinary Gender Option

The ACLU-CT is dedicated to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people can live openly and freely, with full rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.
Position: Support
Legislation
Mar 13, 2023

HB 6618, An Act Concerning Medical Assistance for Certain Provisions Receiving Abortion Care and Related Services in Connecticut

The ACLU-CT unwaveringly supports the constitutional right to seek an abortion. As anti-abortion politicians across the country deny our freedom and obstruct access to abortion, the ACLU-CT supports legislation that increases access to abortion.
Position: Support