These are some of the issues that impact the everyday lives of LGBT people in Arizona and across the country.  Overwhelmingly, scientific research has indicated that LGBT people and families are equally valuable, healthy and capable as all others, strongly supporting the goals of our community.   

As part of the movement to undermine LGBT equality and opportunity, the anti-gay industry has begun to attack the importance and scientific accuracy of this large body of research.  As you can see in the attached research summaries, scholars and scientists from a range of research disciplines advocate for LGBT equality, while responding to the distortions of the anti-gay industry.

Equality Arizona encourages you to download the "hot topic" research summaries and use them to educate yourself and others against the anti-gay industry's efforts to rewrite science to accomodate their own agenda.

Anyone may use or reproduce any written information presented on this website provided that the use of such information is accompanied by an acknowledgement that the materials were viewed on a website belonging to the Equality Arizona Education Foundation (hereinafter referred to as ‘Equality Arizona') is the source of the information.

Equality Arizona makes every effort to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee, and makes no warranties as to, the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of this information. Equality Arizona regularly changes the materials posted without notice and assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content of these materials. It further disclaims any liability of any nature for any loss howsoever caused in connection with using the posted materials. 

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.