LGBT

The ACLU of Northern California and the national ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project fight discrimination in Northern California and across the nation through precedent-setting litigation, public-policy advocacy, and public education. 

Our goal is equal treatment and basic respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. This means even-handed treatment by government; protection from discrimination in jobs, schools, housing, and public accommodations; and equal rights for same-sex couples and LGBT families.  Please click here to support the ACLU's work to advance LGBT rights.

Same-Sex Couples Have Their Day in Court
In a historic case, the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments March 4 challenging the constitutionality of denying same-sex couples the benefits and protections of marriage in the state. The court will have 90 days to issue its landmark decision.
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Religion Can't Excuse Doctors Who Denied Treatment to Lesbian, Says ACLU Amicus
Upon learning that she was a lesbian, the doctors of Guadalupe Benitez refused to give her treatment for infertility, saying their religious beliefs prevented them from giving her access to a service they regularly provided to other patients. Benitez sued for discrimination and the ACLU affiliates of Northern California and San Diego and Imperial Counties, and the organization’s Reproductive Freedom and LGBT and AIDS Projects filed an amicus brief with the California Supreme Court on April 2 on behalf of Benitez, arguing that religious freedom cannot be used to justify discrimination.
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Los Altos Community Reverses Ban on Gay Proclamations
The Los Altos City Council has rescinded a ban on city proclamations having anything to do with sexual orientation. The city council passed the original ban in February, after the Los Altos High School Gay Straight Alliance asked the council to proclaim a Los Altos Gay Pride Day. Over 50 local business owners petitioned the council to end the “embarrassing” rule, and students and other concerned residents organized to oppose the ban, aided by ACLU support. Members of the Los Altos High School Gay Straight Alliance played a key role.
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