LGBTQ rights in Washington (state)
LGBTQ rights in Washington | |
|---|---|
Washington (US) | |
| Legal status | Legal since 1976 (Legislative repeal) |
| Gender identity | Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, surgery not required |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression protected |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Same-sex marriage since 2012; Domestic partnership since 2007 |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples permitted to adopt |
The State of Washington is seen as one of the most progressive states in the United States in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights, with jurisprudence having evolved significantly since the late 20th century. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1976. LGBTQ people are fully protected from discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. The state enacted comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in 2006. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012, and same-sex couples are allowed to adopt. Conversion therapy on minors has also been illegal since 2018.
Washington is frequently referred to as one of the United States's most LGBTQ-friendly states, and its largest city Seattle has a thriving LGBTQ community, ranked as the fifth largest in the country. Opinion polling has shown that a majority of Washingtonians support same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights. A 2019 survey from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 74% of residents supported anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ people. In November 2012, voters approved a same-sex marriage law in Referendum 74.