LGBTQ+ Rights

Through lobbying, litigation and public education, the ACLU of RI works so that LGBTQ+ people can live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.

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Explore our work in protecting LGBTQ+ rights in Rhode Island, through litigation, advocacy, and education.

Make sure you know your rights:

The Latest

News & Commentary
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Local Governments and Nonprofit Groups Challenge Unlawful New Trump-Vance Administration Restrictions That Threaten Proven Solutions to Homelessness

Suit Raises Concerns that Trump-Vance Administration Actions Will Push More Than 170,000 People Into Homelessness as Cold Winter Months Arrive
Know Your Rights
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Q&A: Education in Rhode Island After Mahmoud v. Taylor

This resource is intended to provide information and guidance to Rhode Island public school leaders on the meaning and practical implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.
News & Commentary
Bright red background with photos of a student with a computer and Brown University's campus.

ACLU of RI Condemns Trump Administration’s Newest Threats to Higher Education, Urges Brown University to Reject Demands

The ACLU of Rhode Island sent a letter to Brown University President Christine Paxson condemning the Trump Administration’s new “compact”
News & Commentary
Yellow background with brown and blue colored images of a house roof, and a mother with her small child walking up to a front door.

Court Blocks Trump-Vance Administration’s Unlawful Housing Grant Restrictions

Rhode Island judge grants temporary restraining order in federal housing funding case.
Court Case
Dec 01, 2025

National Alliance to End Homelessness v. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

This case was filed by a broad coalition of local governments and nonprofit organizations across the country — including Rhode Island-based nonprofits Crossroads Rhode Island and Youth Pride, Inc. — seeking to stop the Trump-Vance administration from creating unlawful and unreasonable restrictions for funding for proven solutions to homelessness, threatening to push hundreds of thousands of families onto the street as cold winter months arrive.
Court Case
Oct 22, 2025

Parente v. Lefebvre

This "friend of the court" brief was submitted to challenge the RI Attorney General's position that state officials are immune from ever being sued in federal court under one of RI’s key anti-discrimination civil rights statutes.
Court Case
Sep 14, 2025

National Alliance to End Homelessness v. Scott Turner, et al.

This case suit challenges new funding restrictions on federal housing grants. Under the new funding application rules, service providers and communities are blocked from applying for federal housing funds for new permanent supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness if they operate in jurisdictions with policies the Trump-Vance administration disfavors. This includes cities and states, like Rhode Island, that the Trump Administration deems to be “sanctuary protections” for immigrants; that provide services considered “harm reduction” services for drug users; and that have inclusive policies for transgender people.  
Court Case
Jun 30, 2025

Doe v. Infante-Green