Publications & Resources

Lambda Legal is working to repeal or reform HIV criminalization laws throughout the United States. An HIV criminalization law is one that specifically targets and punishes people living with HIV for engaging in conduct that would otherwise be legal if not for the person’s HIV status. Most of these laws do not require transmission of HIV and are based on the mere failure to announce one’s medical condition to a potential partner prior to engaging in sexual contact. Below we describe 15 ways these laws harm public health, result in unjust prosecutions, and serve primarily to stigmatize and oppress people living with HIV.

What kind of long-range vision do you have for your future and that of your loved ones? Have you taken the necessary legal and financial planning measures to protect that vision? Answer the following life planning questions to find out how prepared you really are—or what life planning issues you need to start thinking about now.

La revocación histórica de la Sección 3 de la discriminatoria Ley en Defensa del Matrimonio (Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]) es una victoria enorme para las parejas enamoradas, casadas, y para sus familias.

La victoria en el caso Estados Unidos v. Windsor en la Corte Suprema al derribar la discriminatoria Ley en Defensa del Matrimonio (Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]) ratifica que todas las parejas comprometidas y enamoradas que estén casadas merecen igualdad en el respeto legal y tratamiento por parte del gobierno federal. La desaparición de DOMA marca un momento decisivo en la forma en la que el gobierno de Estados Unidos considera las relaciones de parejas del mismo sexo casadas dentro de los programas federales que están vinculados a estar casado. Al mismo tiempo, este momento forma parte de un viaje más largo, y no es el final del camino. Queda mucho trabajo por hacer para que las parejas del mismo sexo que viven en todo el país puedan disfrutar de las mismas protecciones que sus contrapartes heterosexuales.

Esta guía aborda los beneficios del Seguro Social para cónyuges: cuando uno de los cónyuges se retira; en caso de alguna incapacidad, y cuando uno de los cónyuges ha fallecido. El acceso a cada uno de estos beneficios era bloqueado o afectado por la Ley Federal en Defensa del Matrimonio (“DOMA”).

Progress and Problems in Hospitals Disclosing the Patient's Right to Choose Who Can Visit

June 26 was already an important date in LGBT legal history—it was the day 10 years ago when the Supreme Court struck down all remaining state sodomy laws in Lambda Legal’s historic Lawrence v. Texas victory.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Delaware Civil Marriage Equality and Religious Freedom Act of 20131 (“Marriage Act”) passed the state legislature and was signed by the Governor on May 7, 2013. The law goes into effect on July 1, 2013. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the new marriage equality law and what it means for people who live and work in, or visit, Delaware.

Alabama Constitutional Law: AL CONST 2005-35 (Approved 2006) (a) This amendment shall be known and may be cited as the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.