LGBTQ+ Rights & Bodily Autonomy

All people deserve to live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, bodily autonomy, and access to the health care they need. We continue to protect and defend Wisconsinites’ rights to love who they love, be who they are, and control their own bodies.

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What you need to know

11 years ago we won marriage equality

in Wisconsin from our lawsuit.

3 years since Roe was overturned

but abortion remains legal in Wisconsin.

∞ years trans people have existed

— always have, always will.

What's At Stake

The ACLU is tracking 500+ anti-LGBTQ bills across the country. Trans youth are being subjected to ugly rhetoric, misguided policies, and other dangerous actions in a nationwide attack on transgender rights and lives, and Wisconsin is no exception.

Trans people belong everywhere, including in our state and we will not stand for hateful bills like the proposed bans on gender-affirming care, visibly trans students, trans athletes, some name changes, and birth record changes.

Abortion is legal in Wisconsin. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, dismantling the constitutional protections for abortion that have existed for nearly 50 years, abortion providers ceased abortion care in Wisconsin for fear of prosecution under a law from 1849. On July 2, 2025, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the archaic 1849 abortion ban.

If you or someone you know needs access to abortion, POWERS helps Wisconsinites navigate options.

ACLU of Wisconsin Applauds State Supreme Court Decision Striking Down 1849 Abortion Ban

In a victory for reproductive freedom, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a 4-3 ruling declaring the 1849 abortion ban to be unenforceable.
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The Latest

News & Commentary
Pride Is Still Protest signs

This Pride, Remember: We Can't Rely on the Government To Save Our Rights

Amidst political attacks on transgender youth, we remember that LGBTQ+ rights are won by the people.
News & Commentary

Pride is Year-Round: Pride Parade Photos

In June, we tabled at Milwaukee PrideFest, connecting with the community and handing out information to festival goers. We also proudly participated in the Milwaukee Pride Parade.
News & Commentary

Pride and Privacy: Surveillance and Overpolicing of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ Community

With LGBTQ+ rights under threat, MPD's use of surveillance technology without oversight could become a nightmare for our LGBTQ+ communities.
Know Your Rights
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Know Your Rights: Sex Discrimination

Legislation
Dec 23, 2025

AB-806/SB-799: Parental Access to Minors’ Healthcare

This bill broadens parental access to minors’ health records by removing existing privacy carve-outs.
Status: Passed both chambers
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Dec 12, 2025

AB-773/ SB-755: Anti-Shackling During Pregnancy

This bill limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant and certain postpartum people who are in the custody of a jail or correctional facility.
Status: Introduced
Position: Support
Legislation
Oct 15, 2025

AB-546/ SB-553: Non-Medical Definition of Abortion

This bill changes the definition of abortion under state law using non-medical language, creating confusion among patients and providers.
Status: Passed Senate
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Dec 03, 2025

AB-718/SB-734: Abortion Catch Kits

This bill would require women to use “catch kits” when they have a miscarriage or abortion–literally forcing them to bag up their pregnancy tissue and bring it back to the doctor’s office as medical waste.
Status: Introduced
Position: Oppose