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
ACLU: Share image

Appeals Court Rules Private Schools Receiving State Funds Cannot Discriminate

The U.S. Court of Appeals rejected arguments from religious schools asserting they should be exempt from laws prohibiting discrimination based on faith, gender identity, and sexual orientation even when receiving state funds.
Issue Areas: LGBTQ Equality, Religious Liberty
Court Cases: Ensuring Public Dollars Are Never Used to Discriminate – Crosspoint Church v. Makin, et al., Ensuring Public Dollars Are Never Used to Discriminate – St. Dominic Academy v. Makin
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.
Issue Areas: Youth Rights, LGBTQ Equality, Disability Rights, Freedom of Expression, Immigrants' Rights, Indigenous Justice
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

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation

Court Case
Jul 6, 2026

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

Crosspoint Church sought an exemption from Maine law so it could discriminate against students while receiving state funds. 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
Jul 6, 2026

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

Crosspoint Church sought an exemption from Maine law so it could discriminate against students while receiving state funds. 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.