Issues

Current issues facing the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in Kentucky.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights

Gender Identity and Expression Until very recently, international human rights treaties and documents contained no protections specifically for gender-nonconforming people. To be clear, Kentucky law currently offers no protection to LGBTI people from discrimination in employment, housing, credit, or accommodations.
Where we stand: SUPPORT: Protect LGBTI people from discrimination in employment, housing,... more...

Education

School Bullying and Harassement. Of the commonwealth's 250 schools, 80% have reported bullying problems, according to education offices. Currently, educators are ill equipped to deal with the problem.
Where we stand: Educational facilities should provide school officials with mechanisms for dealing with harassment based on students’ sexual orientation and gender identity. more...

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights

Discrimination Currently, there are no laws in Kentucky that prohibit discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Terminating someone because of their sexual orientation is perfectly legal, though the cities of Covington, Lexington, and Louisville have municipal laws that prohibit such acts.
Where we stand: The Commonwealth should bar discrimination against gay, lesbian,... more...
Immigration and International Rights The current definition of "family" in U.S. immigration law does not include same-sex partners. Therefore, thousands of same-sex couples are separated or live in constant fear of being stopped by officials who demand to see documentation and threaten detention. In some cases, same-sex partners face prosecution by the Immigration and Naturalization Service – including hefty fines and deportations.
Where we stand: Amend current immigration law to cover same-sex relationships. more...
Parenting In recent years, some lawmakers have proposed legislation to prohibit same-sex couples from adopting children or serving as foster parents. Thankfully, this legislation has been defeated in the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 2008, the Kentucky Court of Appeals struck down another court ruling allowing a woman to co-parent her same-sex partner’s child.
Where we stand: Same-sex couples should have the same parenting rights as heterosexual couples. more...
Access to sick, injured, or dying same-sex couples. When talking about being able to visit a loved one in a hospital, it is something many take for granted. Gay partners can be denied access to their partners in critical situations.
Where we stand: Grant same-sex couples access to their sick, injured, or dying partners. more...
Recognition of Relationships The Commonwealth of Kentucky will not recognize any type of same-sex union. Marriage, domestic partnerships, and civil unions are all illegal in Kentucky (even if performed in other countries or states).
Where we stand: OPPOSE - We support the recognition of all relationships and believe the Commonwealth should do the same. more...