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.

Rights & Resources Maine

Your Rights in Maine

GLAD won the right of same-sex couples to jointly adopt in Maine, in the 2007 case Adoption of M.A.

At a Glance

Maine’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 Maine; domestic partnerships provide a few benefits accorded to married couples . Learn More →
Single gay people can adopt in Maine; same-sex couples can jointly become the legal parents of a child. Learn More →

Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under Maine’s hate crimes laws. Learn More →
Maine law forbids discrimination in public schools on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Learn More →
Although there are some exceptions, Maine law requires written informed consent the first time a person is tested for HIV and has a statute that requires written consent for the release of HIV-related medical information. Learn More →

LGBT Issues

HIV/AIDS Issues

GLAD's Work in Maine

From the Docket

Bragdon v. Abbott

Victory • 1998

In its first case addressing HIV, the United States Supreme Court ruled… Read More

See GLAD's Full Case Docket »

Legislation

Gay Mainers to have Family Medical Leave

June 08, 2007

Maine’s legislature passed a bill extending the protections of the Family Medical… 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 »

ME Publications

Maine LGBT Overview

Maine HIV Overview

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 Maine is
Equality Maine