LGBT rights in Wyoming

LGBT Rights in Wyoming
Enacted	Various
Summary
Overview of legal status concerning LGBT individuals in Wyoming
Status: Unknown

LGBT rights in Wyoming refer to the legal and cultural practices and norms concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. state of Wyoming. The state's approach to LGBT rights has evolved over time, particularly in areas such as same-sex marriage, adoption rights, discrimination protections, and hate crime laws.

History

Historically, Wyoming has been known for its conservative stance on various social issues, including those affecting the LGBT community. However, changes have occurred over the years influenced by national trends and court rulings.

Legal Status

Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage in Wyoming became legal on October 21, 2014, following a federal court decision in Guzzo v. Mead which found the state's ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional. This ruling aligned Wyoming with the broader national shift towards the legalization of same-sex marriage, culminating in the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015.

Discrimination Protections

As of the last update, Wyoming does not have comprehensive statewide laws that protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, some local ordinances, such as those in Laramie and Jackson, provide such protections.

Hate Crimes

Wyoming's hate crime laws do not explicitly include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The state became a focal point for discussions on hate crime legislation following the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay university student. Despite this, efforts to expand the hate crime laws have met with limited success.

Adoption and Parenting

LGBT individuals in Wyoming can petition for adoption, and there are no explicit prohibitions against same-sex couples adopting children. Legal protections and recognition for LGBT parents, however, can vary, and the lack of statewide non-discrimination protections can pose challenges.

Social Attitudes

Social attitudes towards LGBT individuals in Wyoming are diverse, with some areas displaying greater acceptance and inclusivity than others. Urban centers and university towns tend to be more liberal and supportive of LGBT rights compared to rural areas.

Future Outlook

The future of LGBT rights in Wyoming will likely be influenced by both state and federal legal changes, as well as shifts in cultural attitudes. Advocacy and legal challenges continue to play significant roles in advancing the rights and acceptance of LGBT individuals in the state.

See Also

• LGBT rights in the United States
• History of violence against LGBT people in the United States
• Civil rights