July 2021 Updates to Equality Maps

MAP's interactive LGBTQ Equality Maps provide a comprehensive look at the current state of laws and policies impacting LGBTQ people across the United States. The Equality Maps offer a state-by-state comparison of the policy landscape and gaps in protections for LGBTQ people across the country. To keep you informed on this regularly changing landscape, here are the updates as of July 2021.

Important Updates in the States

• Alaska finalized regulations that remove discriminatory transgender exclusions from the state's Medicaid program.
• Connecticut passed the Connecticut Parentage Act, which modernized many areas of the state's laws about parenting and family formation.
• Nevada enacted a law repealing the state's HIV criminalization statutes.
• Illinois also passed an HIV criminalization repeal bill, but the governor has not yet taken action on the bill.

Multiple states took action to partially restrict conversion "therapy":

• Michigan's governor signed an executive directive banning the use of state or federal funds for conversion "therapy." This does not apply to licensed providers-which do not receive state or federal funds-from engaging in the practice, as in other states.
• North Dakota created regulations banning state-licensed social workers from engaging in the practice. While an important step, these regulations only apply to social workers and not more broadly as in other states.
• Wisconsin's governor signed an executive order banning the use of state or federal funds for conversion "therapy," similar to Michigan.

Numerous LGBTQ-inclusive bills became law in Maryland. These laws ban the use of "gay panic" and "trans panic" defenses, add "gender expression" to the state's hate crime law, create a governor's Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, and remove the publication requirement for legal name changes. These developments move Maryland from "medium" to "high" on MAP's Gender Identity Tally and overall LGBTQ Policy Tally.

In Michigan, the state attorney general issued an opinion ruling unconstitutional the state's requirement of proof of "sex reassignment surgery" to change the gender marker on a birth certificate.

In New York, the governor signed into law the Gender Recognition Act. This law modernizes many state processes related to identity documentation. These developments move New York to the highest state in our overall LGBTQ Policy Tally. The law takes effect in December 2021 and includes:

• Removing the publication requirement for legal name changes.
• Removing requirements for medical "proof" or provider certification as part of the process to change the gender marker on both birth certificates and driver's licenses.
• Allowing people to request court records of name/gender changes be sealed for privacy and safety.

Setbacks in the States

• Florida became the 9th state to ban transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity. Florida's ban is the first explicitly anti-LGBTQ bill passed into law in the state since 1997.
• Ohio became the 6th state to create a religious exemption for medical providers. With this development, more than 1 in 10 LGBTQ people live in a state where they can be denied medical care simply because of who they are.

Advances in Local Communities to Prohibit Discrimination

Local cities and communities continue to make advances in securing vital nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

Comprehensive nondiscrimination ordinances were passed in Hilliard, Ohio, Arlington, Texas, Augusta, Kentucky. and Rosedale, Mississippi. A partial nondiscrimination ordinance was passed in Apex, North Carolina.

Ordinances to ban harmful conversion "therapy" were passed in Columbia, South Carolina and Norman, Oklahoma: the first city in the state. Both are the first in their state.

MAP Updates

Understanding LGBTQ Equality in Housing

Zumper unveiled a new feature on July 6th that integrates MAP's Equality Maps of state nondiscrimination laws. This feature will help prospective renters navigate the layers of housing protections and know their rights as they look for a place to live. See also our similar partnership with Zillow (since 2020) and Trulia (since 2018).

About MAP: MAP's mission is to provide independent and rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. www.lgbtmap.org