Marriage Equality: Where Does the Pacific Northwest Stand?
You can rest assured that here in Washington state we are very proud of our support of the LBGTQ+ community, especially in the greater Seattle area. The Human Rights Campaign has Seattle graded as a full 10 all in support on the main issues facing our LBGTQ+ population. The areas are as follows:
HOUSING:
State prohibits housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
EMPLOYMENT:
State prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
MARRIAGE EQUALITY & OTHER RELATIONSHIP RECOGNITION:
State issues marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
HATE CRIMES:
State has a law that addresses hate or bias crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
State prohibits discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING:
State has a law that addresses harassment and/or bullying of students based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
EDUCATION:
State has a law that addresses discrimination against students based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
TRANSGENDER HEALTHCARE:
State has both a ban on insurance exclusions for transgender healthcare and provides transgender-inclusive health benefits to state employees.
GENDER MARKER UPDATES ON IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS:
State has laws and policies that facilitate a gender marker update on both driver’s licenses and birth certificates.
ANTI-CONVERSION THERAPY:
This state protects youth from so-called "conversion therapy.”
Because Washington State, and Seattle in particular, is such a popular destination for those nationally and overseas who are attempting to build their families, the laws are finally very favorable for LBGTQ+ couples or singles to work with compensated Gestational Carriers. Building families locally by hiring established professionals like clinics, lawyers and mental health professionals can also cut the costs when travel isn't an issue. Pacific Northwest Surrogacy is also here to assist our community by offering local guidance through surrogacy journeys as well as a larger team behind the scenes.
Portland Oregon and SW Washington also graded high on the Human Rights Campaign list with 10 being a high score in all of the same categories as Seattle and also has excellent fertility clinics and reproductive professionals.
Idaho doesn't score nearly as well as Washington or Oregon but, as all states must, they do support same sex marriage. As PNW Surrogacy does work in Idaho along with our wonderful and big-hearted surrogates, we assist our LBGTQ+ Intended Parents with the best possible guidance and education for all aspects of family building.
If you have any questions or just want to hear what we have to offer in the way of assisting you with your dreams of starting or expanding your family, feel free to visit our website.