Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Celebrating 30 years as New England's leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Your Rights in Rhode Island

In an early victory for LGBT youth, GLAD in 1980 fought for and won the right of gay Cumberland high school student Aaron Fricke to take a male date to his senior prom.

At a Glance

  • Rhode Island’s anti-discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity or expression. Learn More →
  • Same-sex couples cannot marry in Rhode Island, but they can legally marry in Massachusetts. Learn More →
  • Single gay people can adopt in Rhode Island; in most case, same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. Learn More →
  • Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under Rhode Island’s hate crimes laws. Learn More →
  • Rhode Island law says that students, teachers and staff have the right to attend or work at a safe school. Learn More →
  • Although there are some exceptions, Rhode Island law requires informed consent for HIV testing and release of HIV-related medical information. Learn More →

LGBT Issues

HIV/AIDS Issues

GLAD's Work in Rhode Island

From the Docket

D’Amico v. Cranston School Department

Pending

In a victory for GLAD, the Rhode Island Human Rights Commission found… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

GLAD and Marriage Equality Rhode Island

February 13, 2008

GLAD continues to work with our partner Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI)… Read More

See All Legislative News »

News

Five Years After Goodridge, GLAD Announces “6x12”

November 18, 2008

Five years ago today, the world changed for the better when the… Read More

Read All GLAD News »

RI Publications

Share Your Story

Share Your Story
Stories Matter

The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality.Read More

State Equality Partner

GLAD's state equality partner in Rhode Island is
Marriage Equality Rhode Island

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