Research Guides: LGBTQIA Legal Research Guide: Primary Resources

Databases

Westlaw This link opens in a new window
Select the jurisdiction then use applicable most precise search terms. Please note that the topic/subject or practice area would be specific to the kind of case for example discrimination in the workplace would be in the practice area of employment law and/or constitutional law. While an issue of child custody would most likely be found in the family law practice area and maybe constitutional law.

Lexis +AI This link opens in a new window
Select the jurisdiction then use applicable most precise search terms. Please note that the topic/subject or practice area would be specific to the kind of case for example discrimination in the workplace would be in the practice area of employment law and/or constitutional law. While an issue of child custody would most likely be found in the family law practice area and maybe constitutional law (civil rights).

LGBTQ Employment Law Practice Guide
this Guide endeavors to (1) provide federal and state-specific practical guidance to lawyers of all backgrounds and experience levels whose LGBTQ clients require effective representation to resolve or litigate a workplace-related dispute, (2) assist employers’ counsel in drafting and designing culturally competent and sound workplace policies and practices that are both legally compliant and that protect the rights of LGBTQ workers, and (3) provide guidance to employer’s counsel in responding to an LGBTQ litigant’s charge or complaint of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

HeinOnline This link opens in a new window
This databases has a few applicable topic areas such as Sexuality and the Law & Domestic Relations...with major relevant treaties in its United Nations Law Collection database
After clicking on the link, you may see a screen that says log-in on the upper right. If you click that, you will be taken into the database.

Empire Justice Center
Provides access to relative statutes and case law in this area of law.
Lambda Legal -Cases
This is a compilation of select major LGBT related cases including open cases and landmark cases. These cases can be sorted by keywords, issue, or state.
LGBT Discrimination Cases
Examples of Court Decisions Supporting Coverage of LGBT-Related Discrimination Under Title VII
Relevant Cases
A research guide that lists select major cases in areas of sex marriages, women's rights and others.

Federal Legislation
This is a listing of US federal legislation compiled by the The Human Rights Campaign. It is the largest LGBT civil rights advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States.
Sep 7, 2018
Legislation Affecting the Rights of LGBT
Lists and discussed legislation throughout the US that discriminates against LGBT individuals.

States' Legislation
Updated every Monday
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in America face discrimination in their daily lives. A majority of states allow discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. While there are more states every day that strive to pass laws to protect their citizens from discrimination, many legislatures sponsor bills that invoke religion, pre-empt local protections, and target transgender people to allow discrimination.

NYC - Local Legislation
This is New York City Council's Legislative Research Center where local legislation can be found.
New York City Commission on Human Rights Legal Enforcement Guidance
New York City Commission on Human Rights Legal Enforcement Guidance on Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Expression: Local Law No. 3 (2002); N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 8-102(23)
New York City Council
Provides a framework for New York City Council's legislative process inclusive of resolutions.

Human Rights Watch Country Profiles: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The is a listing of country profiles are derived primarily from sections of the Human Rights Watch 2018 World Report that relate to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. The report, released in January 2018, documented events of 2017.
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The countries are listed are in alphabetical order. This compilation is not comprehensive. The 2018 World Report includes 102 countries in which Human Rights Watch has a substantial body of work, but in a small number of those countries.

This is a living document which will be updated regularly to reflect new events and further Human Rights Watch research. Last updated: April 16, 2018
Maps - Sexual Orientation Laws
A useful tool for LGB human rights defenders, these images expose the arbitrariness of persecutory laws, and starkly indicate the absence of positive law in most parts of the world.

International Instruments of Protection
This provides a hyperlinked list of international and regional treaties determine standards for the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons