Same-sex sexual activity legal? Legal since 2001 | Adoption Yes | |
 | ||
Gender identity/expression Altering sex on birth certificate requires SRS Discrimination protections Sexual orientation protections in state employment Recognition of
relationships Same sex marriage legal since 2014 | ||
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Arizona face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Arizona, and same-sex couples are able to marry. The state provides only limited protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sexual identification.
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Laws against homosexuality
The 2001 Arizona Equity Act repealed the state's sodomy laws.
Same-sex marriage in Arizona
Arizona has recognized same-sex marriage since being forced to end enforcement of its statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage by the decision of a U.S. district court on October 17, 2014.
Adoption and parenting
Arizona permits adoption by individuals. There are no explicit prohibitions on adoption by same-sex couples or on second-parent adoptions. However, state law requires adoption agencies to "give primary consideration to adoptive placement with a married man and woman". Agencies may place a child with a legally single person if it is in the child's best interest or if there is not a married couple available.
Discrimination protection
Since an executive order issued by Janet Napolitano in 2003, Arizona has prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in public employment.
Discrimination in employment on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by Chandler, Flagstaff, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and Tempe.
Hate crime
Arizona includes sexual orientation as a protected group covered by its hate crimes law. Gender identity is not included.
Gender reassignment
Arizona will issue new birth certificates to post-operative transgender people.