Gender, Sexuality & Reproductive Freedom

Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the ACLU-NJ pushes for change and systemic reform in institutions that perpetuate discrimination based on gender and sexuality, especially in employment, health care, education, and the criminal legal system.

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Gender-based discrimination and discrimination based on sexuality have been pervasive throughout history and continue despite strides forward in our society. In New Jersey, people – including women, gender non-conforming people, and non-binary people – face violence, discrimination, and institutional barriers to equal participation in society because of their gender and sexual orientation.

People who can become pregnant face particular barriers to having autonomy over their own sexual and reproductive health, especially with increasing threats to abortion rights and limited access to reproductive care.

Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, the ACLU-NJ pushes for change and systemic reform in institutions that perpetuate discrimination based on gender and sexuality, especially in employment, health care, education, and the criminal legal system.

The Latest

Know Your Rights
A Trangender flag being waved in front of a crowd

Transgender Rights in New Jersey Following Trump Executive Orders

News & Commentary
AbortionAccessforAll

On the Anniversary of Dobbs v. Jackson, NJ Must Do More to Expand Reproductive Health Care

Three years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the right to abortion. It was the first time the nation’s highest court had eliminated a federal constitutional right.
News & Commentary
people stand with protest signs supporting abortion access.

On Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, We Honor the Dedication of Health Care Professionals on the Frontline

Today, we honor the lives of the courageous, compassionate people who provide abortion care across the country. Their dedication ensures patients can access their fundamental right to make decisions about their own health and bodies.
News & Commentary
A pesron holding up a sign reading "A World Without Trans People Has Never Existed And Never Will" at a demonstration.

Trump's Executive Orders Promoting Sex Discrimination, Explained

A new executive order lays out a plan to erase transgender people’s existence under the law
Court Case
Dec 17, 2018

Curto et al. v. A Country Place Condominium Association

Fair Housing Act challenge to a condominium association's discriminatory policy of segregating the community's shared swimming pool by gender.
Court Case
Feb 17, 2021

Delanoy v. Township of Ocean

Amicus brief in support of pregnant police officer forced to leave the workplace early in violation of the New Jersey Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
Court Case
Sep 16, 2021

State v. Bailey

Amicus brief addressing whether the retroactive application of the newly enacted crime-fraud exception to the marital communications privilege violates the ex post facto clauses of the federal and state constitutions.
Court Case
Aug 22, 2011

Lewis v. Harris