LGBTQ Equality

Rainbow flag waving in wind

We work to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can live openly and enjoy equal rights and personal autonomy. We advocate for non-discrimination laws and policies, and oppose attempts to legalize discrimination.

The Latest

Press Release
Empty classroom with green chalkboard on wall at end

Civil Rights Organizations Urge Students, Parents, and Staff to Know Their Rights Ahead of School Start

The ACLU of Maine, EqualityMaine, and GLAD Law have released a comprehensive guide ranging from LGBTQ+ and immigrant students’ rights to staff free speech and student protest.
News & Commentary
2025 July_Legislative Report Graphics_Website News Listing

2025 Legislative Report: Building a Firewall for Freedom in Maine

The 2025 legislative session presented critical opportunities for Maine lawmakers to push back against the federal government’s attempts to disrupt our legal system and roll back our rights. Learn more about this year's top priorities and where we go from here.
News & Commentary
A half-lowered US flag waves in front of the US Supreme Court.

Takeaways from the Supreme Court's Term

This term was marked by sharp right turns in major civil rights cases, a mixed record on lower-profile cases, and mixed outcomes in an ascendant emergency docket
News & Commentary
Weekly Highlights March 3-7

Weekly Highlights June 30 – July 4

This week at the ACLU of Maine: Reflections on the Fourth of July and what we can learn from Frederick Douglass, SCOTUS agrees to hear two ACLU cases, an upcoming webinar on the biggest Supreme Court decisions of 2025, and more. 
Court Case
Jun 13, 2023

Ensuring Public Dollars Are Never Used to Discriminate – St. Dominic Academy v. Makin

Crosspoint Church wants to exclude students from publicly funded education based on their identity. The right to discriminate has never been recognized by any court, and any school that wants to participate in state educational programs must play by the same rules as all others.
Court Case
May 02, 2023

Ensuring Public Dollars Are Never Used to Discriminate – Crosspoint Church v. Makin, et al.

Crosspoint Church wants to exclude students from publicly funded education based on their identity. The right to discriminate has never been recognized by any court, and any school that wants to participate in state educational programs must play by the same rules as all others.