LGBT rights in Rhode Island
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Rhode Island have the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. Rhode Island established two types of major relationship recognition for same-sex couples, starting with civil unions on July 1, 2011, and then on August 1, 2013 with same-sex marriage. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is outlawed within the state namely in the areas of employment, housing, healthcare and public accommodations. In addition, conversion therapy on minors has been banned since 2017.
LGBT rights in Rhode Island | |
|---|---|
Rhode Island (USA) | |
| Status | Legal since 1998 |
| Gender identity | Transgender people allowed to change legal gender |
| Discrimination protections | Protections for sexual orientation and gender identity or expression |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Civil unions since 2011; Same-sex marriage since 2013 |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples allowed to adopt |
Rhode Island is frequently referred to as one of the United States' most LGBT-friendly states. Opinion polls have shown that a large majority of Rhode Islanders support same-sex marriage and LGBT rights. 2017 polling from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 78% of Rhode Island respondents supported same-sex marriage.