LGBTQ Rights

The ACLU of Hawai‘i is dedicated to protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people in our state.

LGBTQ Rights Banner

The ACLU of Hawai‘i is dedicated to protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people in our state. Our work includes fighting for fair treatment by the government; protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in jobs, schools, housing, and public accommodations; and working for equal rights for same-sex couples and their families.

The ACLU of Hawai‘i fought tirelessly alongside community partners and advocates to make Hawai‘i the 15th state in the nation to grant LGBTQ+ couples the freedom to marry in 2013. While a milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the islands, a lot of work still needs to be done. We will not stop until LGBTQ+ people can live openly and with dignity, where their identities, relationships and families are respected, and where there is fair treatment on the job, in schools, in housing, in public places and in government programs.

Marriage Equality Win

Check out a video highlighting our recent fight to pass a Consitutional Amendment enshrining marriage equality for all people in Hawai'i. It is truly a historic win for LGBTQ+ rights: https://vimeo.com/1038760486?share=copy

The Latest

News & Commentary
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Trans Community Hits New Barriers To Gender-Affirming Care In Hawaiʻi

Even before President Donald Trump took office, transgender patients in Hawaiʻi were struggling to get insurance to cover some treatments. Now it’s getting worse.
News & Commentary
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Maui Prep Academy hit with 2 suits on transgender policy

Two lawsuits were filed Tuesday in Maui Circuit Court against Maui Preparatory Academy related to its new school policy, which began in the 2025-26 school year, that transgender students would no longer be allowed to use restroom facilities, play on sports teams or room with students of the same gender.
News & Commentary
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ACLU Demands Maui Prep Rescind Anti-Transgender Policy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has issued a formal legal demand to Maui Preparatory Academy in Lahaina, alleging the school has adopted a discriminatory policy targeting transgender students in violation of state anti-­discrimination laws.
News & Commentary
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Maui Prep Policies For Transgender Students Face Legal Scrutiny

The ACLU of Hawaiʻi says Maui Prep’s proposed policies for transgender students violate state anti-discrimination laws.
Court Case
Sep 04, 2025

Poe v. Maui Preparatory Academy

This lawsuit, brought on behalf of a Maui family, challenges Maui Preparatory Academy’s (“Maui Prep”) discriminatory policy targeting transgender students. Under Maui Prep’s new policy, transgender students are no longer allowed to use facilities, play on sports teams, or room with students of the same gender. Plaintiffs argue that the school violated Hawaiʻi anti-discrimination law and engaged in unfair and deceptive practices by implementing the policy.