IMPORTANT**  This following is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any legal action without first consulting an attorney. 

Workplace Discrimination - The cities of Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson include sexual orientation (S.O.) in their employee non-discrimination policies. The City of Phoenix also requires some companies who do business with the city to include S.O. protections in their policies. Arizona executive branch workers are protected based on sexual orientation. Gender identity is only protected in Tempe and Tucson.

Domestic Partner Benefits - The cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson offer Domestic Partner Benefits to their employees.

Domestic Partner Registry - Tucson allows same sex couples to register as partners. Benefits are minimal and include family discounts at City venues such as the pool, and visitation rights in hospitals and nursing homes within the city limits.

Hate Crimes - State law covers felony hate crimes based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.
Homosexuality in Schools - Employees are protected in certain school districts only, such as Phoenix Union or in Tucson. Students are not specifically protected; however federal law and court decisions state that all students must be ensured a safe environment.

ASU non-discrimination policy - covers sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Marriage - Arizona state statute states: “Marriage between persons of the same sex is void and prohibited."

Domestic Violence - Same-sex victims are protected in the same way as any other victim, and have the same rights.

Foster Parenting  - Individuals are allowed to be foster parents and sexual orientation is not asked. Couples may be foster parents only if married.

Adoption - Single individuals or married heterosexual couples may adopt. Sexual orientation is generally not asked, so individuals living with a partner of the same sex may still adopt.

Second Parent Adoption - Arizona statute only allows adoption by the spouse of the legal parent; therefore a same-sex partner may not adopt the child of the legal parent.

Insurance Discrimination - not specifically prohibited in AZ, but generally there is no discrimination. Couples who want to OWN policies on their partners, however, do have difficulty getting coverage.

Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is a national organization that lobbies Congress on behalf of equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity.  The Arizona Human Rights Fund is NOT affiliated with HRC.  Click here to learn the differences between the two organizations.

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
The purpose of the Victory Fund is to provide financial support and resources for openly gay and lesbian candidates running for office.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
The NGLTF supports grass roots organizing and advocacy at the state and local level. Their work builds political strength and creates strong coalitions among grassroots advocates, using proactive issue-based campaigns to organize local communities and states.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The mission of the ACLU is to preserve all of these protections and guarantees:
- Your First Amendment rights-freedom of speech, association and assembly. Freedom of the press, and freedom of religion supported by the strict separation of church and state
- Your right to equal protection under the law - equal treatment regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or national origin
- Your right to due process - fair treatment by the government whenever the loss of your liberty or property is at stake
- Your right to privacy - freedom from unwarranted government intrusion into your personal and private affairsLambda Legal 

Lambda Legal
Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, the transgendered, and people with HIV or AIDS through impact litigation, education, and public policy work.