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Second Parent Adoption | Maine

Èske patnè menm sèks yo ka adopte yon timoun ansanm nan Maine?

Yes, as the result of an appeal that GLAD made to the Maine Law Court concerning the refusal of a Maine Probate Court to assume jurisdiction of the joint adoption petition by a lesbian couple (In re Adoption of M.A.,—- A.2d——, 2007 WL 2446019 (Me. 2007)). In August 2007, the Maine Law Court ruled that the Probate Court did have jurisdiction and that state law allows for unmarried couples to adopt. This ruling makes it clear that joint or second parent adoptions by unmarried couples are permitted under Maine law. For more specific information on the process, see GLAD’s publication, Joint Adoption Practice and Procedure in Light of Adoption of M.A.: Second Parent Adoption.

Ki diferans ki genyen ant adopsyon ansanm, adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran, ak adopsyon pa yon sèl paran?

Yon adopsyon konjwen se lè tou de patnè yo adopte yon timoun ansanm an menm tan. Yon adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran se lè youn nan patnè yo adopte pitit lòt patnè a. Yon adopsyon pa yon sèl paran se lè yon sèl moun adopte yon timoun.

Ki avantaj ki genyen nan fè yon dezyèm paran oswa yon adopsyon ansanm?

An adoption is a court judgment that the child has two legal parents for all purposes. In addition to providing legal security, an adoption decree mirrors the actual family situation and thereby provides emotional comfort and security as well.

Without an adoption, the non-legal parent needs special permission to seek medical care for the child, or to attend school meetings. With an adoption, the adopting parent is a legal parent entitled to make decisions for the child in day-to-day and emergency matters without special authorization.

With an adoption, if one parent dies, the other parent will automatically assume custody of the child. In addition, the child would have the automatic right to inherit from the deceased parent, even if there is no will. The child could also collect social security survivor benefits based on the deceased parent’s work record.

Finally, if the couple separates, then the adoption means that both parents have the right to seek parental rights and responsibilities, and any disputes will be decided based on what is in the best interests of the child.

Èske nou bezwen fè yon adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran si nou marye?

When a child is born into a marriage, Maine law and the law of all states presumes that both spouses are the parents of the child and both names are listed on the child’s birth certificate. However, this is only a presumption and can be challenged in court, so in the past GLAD recommended that married couples do a second parent adoption to ensure the parentage of the non-biological parent because adoption is a court judgment creating a parent-child relationship and must be respected by other states. 

Now Maine couples have a second way to protect the parentage of the non-biological partner by signing an Acknowledgement of Parentage.

If I am a parent who has signed an Acknowledgement of Parentage, do I also need to do a second parent adoption?

No. A parent who has signed an Acknowledgement of Parentage should not need to do a second parent adoption to establish parentage. An Acknowledgement of Parentage establishes legal parentage under state law, is the equivalent of a court judgment of parentage under state law and gives you all the rights and duties of a parent. Under federal law, an Acknowledgement of Parentage is the equivalent of a judicial decree of parentage and should be recognized in all states.

Since expanded access to Acknowledgements of parentage is an emerging development, some parents might feel more comfortable completing a second parent adoption in addition to or instead of an Acknowledgement of Parentage. To understand what is best for your family, individualized legal advice is recommended.

Eksepte si se pa yon adopsyon ansanm oswa yon adopsyon pa yon dezyèm paran, kijan yon fanmi ka pwoteje enterè timoun nan parapò ak dezyèm paran li?

There are a number of steps that can be taken, although none offer the security of a second parent adoption or marriage. Among these are:

  1. Akò ko-parantaj: An agreement setting out the parents’ expectations about each other’s roles, and their plans in the event of separation, disability or death. While these agreements may not be enforceable as a contract, they are important indicators of what the couple’s intent was when they formed their family and what they believed was in the best interests of the child, and thus may be influential on a court’s assessment of who the parents are and their respective parental rights and responsibilities.
  2. Testaman: The legal parent may nominate a guardian of the child upon the parent’s death. These “testamentary appointments” are given strong and respectful consideration by courts. Of course, if the child has another legal parent living, then that person would have priority over the nominated guardian (see 18-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 5-301 et seq).
  3. Ko-gad legal: This process allows a biological or adoptive parent to name his or her partner as a co-guardian so that the partner may secure medical attention and health insurance for the child and in most other ways act with the legal authority of a parent. The Probate Court may appoint the legal parent and his or her partner as co-guardians if the legal parent consents to the appointment and the court finds the appointment to be in the best interests of the child (see 18-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 5-204(b). GLAD’s case, In re Guardianship of I.H., 834 A.2d 922 (Me. 2003), clarified the law in this area. See also https://www.gladlaw.org/current/pr-detail/maine-high-court-affirms-lesbian-couples-right-to-petition-for-full-coguard/). This status is not permanent, and may be terminated by the court upon a legal petition if the guardianship is no longer in the best interests of the child. Additionally, co-guardianship status ceases to be recognized once the child reaches the age of eighteen (A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 5-212(d).  In addition, a court can order a “de facto” guardianship even if the parents do not consent where the child has lived with another person and the parents have consistently not participated in the child’s life.  18-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 5-101).
  4. Power of Attorney Delegating Parent’s Rights: This document is signed by the parent and delegates to another adult all powers regarding that parent’s child, except the power to consent to the child’s adoption. It must be notarized, and it must be renewed every six months.

Si paran menm sèks yo elve yon timoun ansanm, men se sèlman youn ki paran "legal" la (akòz nesans oswa adopsyon), ki dwa lòt paran an genyen anvè timoun nan?

This area of law is rapidly evolving in Maine. If the non-birth or non-adoptive parent is a “de facto parent,” then he or she is entitled to be considered for an award of full parental rights and responsibilities, which may include custody or visitation (see C.E.W. v. D.E.W., 845 A.2d 1146 (Me. 2004)). Although the Maine Law Court has not clearly defined who qualifies as a de facto parent, that Court has stated:

  1. the de facto parent must have developed a parent-child relationship with the child;
  2. the legal parent must have consented to and encouraged the development of this relationship;
  3. the de facto parent must have performed a share of the care-taking functions at least a great as the legal parent (see Stitham v. Henderson, 768 A.2d 598, 605-06 (Me. 2001) (Saufley, J., concurring) (quoting E.N.O. v. L.M.M., 711 N.E.2d 886, 891 (Mass. 1999)).

The Law Court added that a de facto parent “must surely be limited to those adults who have fully and completely undertaken a permanent, unequivocal, committed and responsible parental role in the child’s life” (see C.E.W. v. D.E.W., 845 A.2d 1146 (Me. 2004)). This area of law needs further clarification. For example, even though the Law Court has not required this, many judges and practitioners have imported a two year term of the child and de facto parent living together.

Regardless of the status of a person’s legal rights, it is critical to remember that children form strong attachments to their parental caregivers regardless of legal labels. Separating a child from a person who has acted as his or her parent can be a devastating loss for a child. Moreover, court proceedings to establish de facto parenthood will be painful and costly, so anything people can do outside of court to make decisions together about a child’s interests is strongly encouraged. See GLAD’s publication, Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBT yo.

Intimate Partner Violence | Maine

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence may take many forms. Generally, domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior in which one person attempts to control another through threats or actual use of tactics, which may include any or all of the following: physical, sexual, verbal and psychological abuse.

Under the law, “abuse” means that any of the following have occurred between people who are “family, household members or dating partners”:

  • Attempting to cause or causing bodily injury or offensive physical contact;
  • Attempting to place or placing another in fear of bodily injury through any course of conduct, including, but not limited to, threatening, harassing or tormenting behavior;
  • Compelling, by force, threat of force, or intimidation, a person to engage in conduct, such as causing another to engage involuntarily in sexual relations by force, or to abstain from conduct in which they have a right to engage;
  • Restricting another person’s movement, by knowingly removing them from home, work or school, or moving them a substantial distance from where they were found, or confining the person;
  • Placing a person in reasonable fear that a crime will be committed by threatening them or another person that they will be committing a crime of violence against the person; or
  • Repeatedly and without reasonable cause following a person or being in the vicinity of their work, school or home (19-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4002(1)).

Do the domestic violence laws apply to people in same-sex relationships?

Generally yes. The definition of “family, household members and dating partners” includes married couples, domestic partners or former domestic partners, people who are or have “liv[ed] together as spouses”, people who are sexual partners or are living together (or did so previously), as well as individuals currently or formerly dating each other, whether or not the individuals are or were sexual partners (19-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec 4002). The law applies equally to all people, but the application depends upon the nature of the relationship of the people involved.

How do I get a court order protecting me from an abusive partner?

To get protection, go to the District Court in the community where you live or where the abuser lives. The court clerk will have a packet of information for you to complete. There is no fee, and there is a means of keeping your address confidential from the public. You will have to allege abuse as defined above, and indicate where you think the abuser/defendant can be found so that he or she can be served with (given a copy of) the court papers. If the courts are closed, contact your local police who will locate a judge to help. On this basis, you may receive a temporary order of protection good for up to 21 days. In order for those orders to be enforceable, the police must serve a copy on the defendant/abuser, and a defendant cannot be arrested for violating orders if he or she has not been given a copy of them. The orders can restrain the defendant from coming near you or your children, keep the defendant away from your home, and/or place of employment or contacting you at all, and determine child custody issues on a short-term basis.

Violation of a protection order is a criminal offense (see generally 19-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4001 et seq).

The temporary orders will indicate the date set for the court hearing at which you can try to extend your court orders. At this point, the defendant will tell his or her side of the story as well, and you can be called upon to answer questions. At this stage, both parties often have attorneys. If the Court determines the defendant has made a credible threat to the physical safety of you or a child in your household, the relief may be extended for up to two years.

If for some reason you decide not to go through with the order, it is important to show up in court on your assigned date and ask that the case be dismissed.

In addition, Maine’s harassment law described below may be useful for people who are experiencing harassment from a partner of the same sex.  An order preventing harassment can be taken out against anyone (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4651.  See also http://www.courts.state.me.us/publications_other/pa_ph-1207.pdf).

Where can I go to get help?

In Maine, local domestic violence projects across the state provide direct services to victims of domestic violence. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) is a coalition of the nine domestic violence projects in the state. There is a statewide domestic violence helpline at 866-834-HELP (4357). This number will direct victims to support centers in their county. These support centers also provide court advocacy. MCEDV maintains information for same-sex partners on their website at http://www.mcedv.org.

In addition to the local police, there are several other hotlines and on-line resources:

  • Sexual Assault Support Hotline, (800) 871-7741 (statewide, 24-hours), a complete listing of local member sexual assault centers can be found at http://www.mecasa.org/;
  • Office of the Maine Attorney General, 207-626-8800, http://www.maine.gov/ag/.

Does domestic violence play a role in parental rights and responsibilities decisions?

Yes. It is a factor the court must consider in allocating parental rights and responsibilities, and courts may provide conditions upon an abuser seeing his or her children (see generally 19-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 1653 (6)).

Marriage | Maine

Can same-sex couples marry in Maine?

Yes! On November 6, 2012, Maine became the first state to obtain marriage rights for same-sex couples through an initiative process rather than a court case or vote by a legislature. Maine Question 1, An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses For Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom,50 was approved by the voters of Maine 53 to 47 percent.

Three years later, in Obergefell v. Hodges (135 S.Ct. 2584 (2015)), the U.S. Supreme Court made marriage equality a reality nationwide when it held that the U.S. Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry. GLAD’s own Mary Bonauto represented the plaintiffs during oral arguments. Post-Obergefell, tout 50 eta yo oblije bay lisans maryaj bay koup menm sèks, epi tout eta yo dwe respekte maryaj koup menm sèks ki selebre nan lòt jiridiksyon.

Can Maine same-sex couples get married anywhere else?

Wi. Mèsi a Obergefell kont Hodges, tout eta yo oblije bay lisans maryaj bay koup menm sèks.

Will Maine respect my marriage? Will other states?

Yes. Maine will respect the legal marriages of same-sex couples regardless of where the marriage was performed, just as all states will now respect the marriage of a same-sex couple married in Maine.

Èske gouvènman federal la ap respekte maryaj mwen an?

Yes. Thanks to the recent demise of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in Windsor kont Etazini (133. S.Ct. 2675 (2013)), the federal government will recognize and respect the legal marriages of same-sex couples.

DOMA, a federal statute which defined marriage exclusively as the union between one man and one woman, once prevented same-sex spouses from accessing the 1000+ federal laws pertaining to marriage, including taxes, Social Security (including SSDI and SSI), immigration, bankruptcy, FMLA, federal student financial aid, Medicaid, Medicare, veteran’s benefits, and TANF. Happily, in 2013 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down DOMA as unconstitutional. GLAD filed the first challenge to DOMA in 2009, Gill v. OPM (699 F.Supp.2d 374 (2010)), and the legal framework developed in that case was used in many subsequent cases, Windsor includedGLAD was also responsible for coordinating the Windsor amici briefs.

Unfortunately, one issue that has yet to be definitively resolved by Windsor epi Obergefell concerns spousal benefits and self-insured health plans. While Massachusetts state law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, self-insured health plans are governed by federal law. Title VII, the federal anti-discrimination statute, only prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin—sexual orientation is not explicitly included. As a result, some self-insured employers claim they can legally deny benefits to same-sex spouses.

Luckily, this issue is far from settled. Recently, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) took the position that Title VII’s prohibition against ‘sex discrimination’ encompasses discrimination based on sexual orientation (see Baldwin  v. Foxx, Agency No. 2012-24738-FAA-3 (July 15, 2015)).

If your employer is discriminating against you in spousal healthcare benefits on the basis of sexual orientation, contact GLAD Answers.

Èske mwen ka jwenn benefis Sekirite Sosyal pou sivivan si mari oswa madanm mwen mouri?

Wi, paske jan sa di pi wo a, koup marye menm sèks yo gen dwa a tout benefis yo bay koup marye diferan sèks.

Sepandan, jiskaske Obergefell kont Hodges Nan desizyon ki te pran nan dat 26 jen 2015 la, anpil koup menm sèks te rete nan eta kote lwa maryaj ki pa konstitisyonèl yo te anpeche koup menm sèks marye. Donk, lè mari oswa madanm yo te mouri, yo pa t kapab satisfè kondisyon benefis sivivan Sekirite Sosyal la pou yo te marye pandan 9 mwa.

Pou korije enjistis sa a, Lambda Legal te depoze de pwosè, Ely kont Sayil epi Thornton kont Komisyonè Sekirite Sosyal la epi li te reyisi jwenn yon mwayen pou koup menm sèks yo te ka depoze pou benefis Sekirite Sosyal pou sivivan ki swa pa janm marye (Ely kont Sayil) oubyen yo te finalman kapab marye men yo te marye mwens pase 9 mwa lè mari oswa madanm yo te mouri (Thornton kont Komisyonè Sekirite Sosyal la). 

De desizyon sa yo pèmèt koup menm sèks, ki te eskli nan maryaj akòz lwa leta diskriminatwa e ki pakonsekan pa t kalifye pou aplike pou benefis sivivan Sekirite Sosyal, pou soumèt yon aplikasyon. Sepandan, siksè aplikasyon sa a depann de bay ase dokiman pou pwouve Sekirite Sosyal ke sèl rezon ki fè yo pa t satisfè egzijans 9 mwa a se te akòz lwa leta diskriminatwa yo.

Lyen sa a bay plis enfòmasyon detaye epi li gen FAQ pou chak pwosè epi li bay lis kèk fason ou ka bay dokiman ki nesesè pou kalifye pou benefis sivivan an: Enfòmasyon pou Patnè ak Konjwen Menm Sèks ki Sivivan ki te Eskli Anvan nan Benefis Sivivan Sekirite Sosyal Akòz Lwa Maryaj ki pa Konstitisyonèl | Lambda Legal

What steps can a couple take to safeguard their relationship in Maine?

Whether the couple is married or in a Maine registered domestic partnership or does not have an legal relationship, they can protect their relationship through the following:

  1. Akò oswa Kontra Relasyon: Agreements regarding property and finances should be respected and honored according to ordinary rules of contract law. The Maine Law Court has not yet specifically ruled on the subject, but that result comports with Maine contract law and the law of other states that have found such agreements to be enforceable.
  2. Pouvwa Avoka Dirab: Any competent person may appoint another person as their “attorney-in-fact” for financial and/or other matters in the event they become incapacitated or disabled. If no such appointment is made, then a “family” member will be empowered to make decisions for the disabled or incapacitated individual.

A person may also nominate their guardian or conservator in the same document. This is a longer-term appointment that takes priority over the attorney-in-fact. This choice can only be rejected by a court for “good cause or disqualification.” The mere fact that a family member is not named as the guardian or conservator does not constitute good cause.

  1. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Medical care providers often look to next-of-kin to make health care decisions for an incapacitated individual. If an unmarried person wants someone other than their legal family to make these decisions, then a durable power of attorney for health care is a critical source of protection. In Maine, a person can appoint a health care agent to make decisions for him or her immediately, or upon incompetence. It must be signed by two witnesses (not including the person appointed as attorney-in-fact). It can only be revoked while they are still competent. Otherwise, it must be revoked in court.

While a written Durable Power of Attorney provides the most certainty that a person will be cared for by the person they want to make those decisions, Maine law also has a procedure by which “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse” can make health care decisions for an incapacitated person.

This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their incapacitated partner’s health care decisions absent documentation.

Within this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or in a separate document called an “Advance Directive,” a person may address end of life issues like artificial nutrition and other life-sustaining treatments. The Attorney General’s Office has a model advance directive posted on their website, Advance Health-Care Directive Form | Maine.gov .

While a written Advance Directive provides the most certainty that a person’s wishes will be followed, Maine law also allows a procedure for a person to make end of life decisions for another if they can prove they are family members. Spouses are given first priority, followed by “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse. ”This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their partner’s end of life decision.

  1. Pral: Without a will and without having registered as a domestic partner, a deceased unmarried person’s property passes to: (1) their children; (2) their family; (3) if next-of-kin cannot be located, to the state. If the person wishes to provide for others, such as their partner, a will is essential. Even if a person has few possessions, they can name in the will who will administer their estate. If a person has children, they can nominate a guardian of the child which will become effective upon death. Such nominations are highly regarded by courts although they are not binding on the court.
  2. Dokiman Planifikasyon Antèman: Upon death, a person’s next-of-kin is given control of the deceased’s body. This means that a person’s own partner has no automatic right to remove the body or make plans for a final resting place.

If a person has either (1) registered as a domestic partner under the state law; and/or (2) designated in writing that another person is to have custody and control of their remains (such as their partner or a friend), then that person will have control over the body as well as funeral arrangements and the selection of a final resting place.81 It is infinitely preferable to prepare funeral planning documents in advance than to leave instructions as part of a will since a will may not be found for days after death.

Èske yon moun bezwen yon avoka pou jwenn dokiman sa yo?

GLAD rekòmande pou w travay avèk yon avoka sou dokiman sa yo.

Although some forms are available, the form may not be suited to your individual needs and wishes and may not conform to the specific requirements of Maine law, which would render them invalid and unenforceable.

Moreover, attorneys may be able to help effectuate your goals, for example, by drafting a will in a way which is more likely to deter a will contest by unhappy family members. In addition, many people find attorney assistance critical because same-sex couples are afforded different tax treatment from married heterosexual couples. Failure to consider tax consequences can lead to enormous difficulties upon death or separation.

Ki sa k ap pase si nou bezwen mete fen nan maryaj nou an?

Apre Obergefell kont Hodges, same-sex spouses everywhere should be able to dissolve their marriages on the same terms as different-sex spouses.

Ki estanda koup menm sèks ki gen timoun k ap separe yo ta dwe respekte?

Koup menm sèks ki gen timoun epi k ap separe ta dwe:

  1. Sipòte dwa paran LGBTQ+ yo;
  2. Onore relasyon ki deja egziste yo kèlkeswa etikèt legal yo;
  3. Onore relasyon paran timoun yo ki deja egziste apre separasyon an;
  4. Kenbe kontinwite pou timoun yo;
  5. Chèche yon rezolisyon volontè;
  6. Sonje byen, separe se yon bagay ki difisil pou fè;
  7. Menen ankèt sou akizasyon abi;
  8. Pa kite absans akò oswa relasyon legal detèmine rezilta yo;
  9. Trete litij kòm yon dènye rekou; epi
  10. Refize pou w sèvi ak lwa ak santiman omofob/transfob pou w rive nan yon rezilta ou vle.

Pou plis enfòmasyon detaye sou nòm sa yo, gade piblikasyon Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBTQ+ yo nan adrès sa a: Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBTQ+ | GLAD

Navigating Police Interactions | Maine

Is it legal for the police to tell me to “move along” from public areas?

Not necessarily. If the area is public and not posted as having particular hours, you generally have a right to be there as long as you are engaged in lawful activity. Public places belong to everyone. Even if police officers want to deter crime, or suspect some kind of unlawful intent, they have no general right to request people to move from one place to another unless there is unlawful conduct (Kent v. Dulles, 357 U.S. 116, 126 (1958); State v. Aucoin, 278 A.2d 395, 397 (Me. 1971)(striking down former version of Portland’s loitering ordinance)).

Ki règ jeneral ki genyen pou entèraksyon ak lapolis?

The presence of individuals who appear to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender—whether because such individuals are displaying symbols such as a rainbow flag or pink triangle or for any other reason—should not trigger any special scrutiny by a police officer, other than a concern for the safety and well-being of those persons that the officer would have for any other park or rest area patron.

Police may of course approach a person, and make inquiries, but even if a person has been convicted of a past offense, or fails to respond, or responds in a way which does not satisfy the officer, that alone is not grounds for the person to be arrested.

Brief intrusions upon a person are permitted if an officer can say why he or she is concerned and that concern is reasonable. For example, if an officer is concerned about someone’s safety, or suspects the person may have committed a crime, or suspects the person has committed a traffic infraction, then a stop is reasonable (State v. Gulick, 759 A.2d 1085 (Me. 2007), *2; State v. Connors, 734 A.2d 195 (Me. 1999)(investigatory stop justified when officer has articulable suspicion of civil violation or criminal activity and such suspicion is objectively reasonable in the totality of circumstances)).

An arrest can only occur upon “probable cause” that a crime has been committed (State v. Boylan, 665 A.2d 1016 (Me. 1995)(probable cause to arrest where officer has reasonably trustworthy information that would warrant an ordinarily prudent and cautious officer to believe the subject did commit or was committing a crime).  See also Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 16 (1968)).

Kisa m ka fè si m kwè lapolis pa trete m byen?

Complaints may be made to any individual police department for matters concerning its officers, and complaints to the Maine State Police may be made to the commanding officer of the alleged harasser. The contact person is the Director of Internal Affairs at (207) 624-7290. The State Police have a toll-free number at (800) 452-4664. The complaint should specify the name or badge number of the officer, and state whether the complaint is for actual misconduct, harassment or discrimination.

In some cases, an individual may decide to pursue a lawsuit—because of injuries, improper detainment, or for some other reason. These matters are highly specialized, and GLAD can provide you with attorney referrals. People can also register serious complaints with the Attorney General’s Office, Investigations Unit at (207) 626-8800.

Lòt Lwa sou VIH | Maine

Lòt kesyon ak repons sou lwa ki gen rapò ak VIH. Gade tou paj nou yo sou Diskriminasyon VIH/SIDA epi Tès ak Konfidansyalite.

Kisa sa vle di lè yon anplwayè ka oblije bay yon "akomodasyon rezonab" pou yon anplwaye ki andikape?

Moun ki andikape, tankou VIH/SIDA, ka fè eksperyans pwoblèm sante ki fè li difisil pou yo satisfè kèk egzijans oswa devwa travay. Pa egzanp, yon moun ka fatige oswa fatige epi li ka jwenn li difisil pou l travay aplentan.

Nan sèten sikonstans, anplwayè a gen obligasyon pou modifye oswa ajiste egzijans travay la oswa règleman espas travay la pou pèmèt yon moun ki andikape, tankou VIH oswa SIDA, fè travay li yo. Sa a rele yon "akomodasyon rezonab".

Men kèk egzanp aranjman rezonab:

  • Modifye oswa chanje tach oswa responsablite travay;
  • Etabli yon orè travay a tan pasyèl oswa modifye;
  • Pèmèt konje pandan lè travay regilye yo pou randevou medikal;
  • Reasignasyon yon anplwaye nan yon travay ki vid; oubyen
  • Fè modifikasyon nan plan fizik yon sit travay oubyen achte aparèy tankou yon anplifikatè telefòn pou pèmèt, pa egzanp, yon moun ki gen pwoblèm tande fè travay la.

Kijan yon moun ka jwenn yon aranjman rezonab?

Se responsablite anplwaye a, sof si se yon ka ki ra, pou l inisye demann pou yon aranjman. Anplis de sa, yon anplwayè ka mande yon anplwaye pou bay kèk enfòmasyon sou nati andikap la. Anplwaye ki gen enkyetid sou divilgasyon estati VIH/SIDA yo bay yon sipèvizè ta dwe kontakte GLAD Answers.

Pa gen yon seri aranjman fiks yon anplwaye ka mande. Kalite aranjman yon anplwaye ap depann de bezwen patikilye sitiyasyon chak anplwaye.

Èske yon anplwayè oblije aksepte yon demann pou yon aranjman rezonab?

Non, yon anplwayè pa oblije akòde chak demann pou yon aranjman. Yon anplwayè pa oblije akòde yon aranjman rezonab ki pral kreye yon "chay ki pa nesesè" (sa vle di, difikilte oswa depans enpòtan pou operasyon anplwayè a). Anplis de sa, anplwayè a pa oblije bay yon aranjman rezonab si anplwaye a pa ka fè fonksyon travay la menm avèk aranjman rezonab la.

Kilè yon "akomodasyon rezonab" pou yon anplwaye se yon "chay ki pa nesesè" pou yon anplwayè?

Lè tribinal yo ap detèmine si yon aranjman yo mande kreye yon chay oswa yon difikilte san nesesite pou yon anplwayè, yo egzamine yon kantite faktè, tankou:

  • Gwosè, bidjè ak kontrent finansye patwon-an;
  • Pri pou aplike aranjman yo mande a; epi
  • Kijan akomodasyon an afekte oswa deranje biznis patwon-an.

Ankò, yo egzamine chak sitiyasyon ka pa ka.

Yon anplwayè sèlman gen obligasyon pou akòde aranjman rezonab la si, kòm rezilta aranjman an, anplwaye a kalifye pou fè travay esansyèl travay la. Yon anplwayè pa oblije anboche oswa kenbe yon anplwaye ki pa ka fè fonksyon esansyèl travay la, menm avèk yon aranjman rezonab.

Èske yon doktè nan Maine ka egzije yon tès VIH kòm yon kondisyon prealab pou tretman?

Non, yon founisè swen sante pa ka refize tretman oswa swen paske li refize bay konsantman pou tès VIH la.

Ki lwa Maine yo konsènan acha ak posesyon zegwi?

Dapre lalwa Maine, yon moun ki gen 18 an oswa plis ka achte yon "aparèy ipodèmik," tankou yon sereng ak yon zegwi ipodèmik, nan men yon famasyen ak lòt vandè otorize.

Sepandan, yon moun pa ka legalman achte oswa posede plis pase dis "aparèy ipodèmik" alafwa, sof si lalwa otorize sa (tankou yon doktè k ap aji nan kad travay li).

Èske Maine pèmèt pwogram echanj zegwi?

Wi. Lalwa Maine otorize Sant pou Kontwòl ak Prevansyon Maladi Maine pou sètifye pwogram echanj zegwi. Pa gen limit sou kantite zegwi ipodèmik patisipan nan pwogram sa yo ka posede.

Èske Maine pèmèt aksè a PrEP ak PEP san preskripsyon?

Wi, nan dat 18 jen 2021, Gouvènè Janet Mills te siyen LD 1115, Yon Lwa pou Amelyore Aksè a Medikaman pou Prevansyon VIH, ki elaji aksè a yon medikaman senp, san danje, epi efikas ke yo rele Pwofilaksi Pre-ekspozisyon VIH (PrEP) ki diminye risk transmisyon VIH la prèske 100%. Nouvo lwa a otorize famasyen yo pou bay PrEP, ansanm ak Pwofilaksi Post-Ekspozisyon VIH (PEP), san preskripsyon sou yon baz kout tèm.

Pou plis enfòmasyon, gade: Maine vin yon lidè nan aksè famasi a medikaman efikas pou prevansyon VIH – GLAD

Èske gen yon lwa nan Maine ki entèdi konpayi asirans yo fè diskriminasyon kont moun k ap pran PrEP?

Wi, an 2019, yo te modifye Kòd Asirans Maine lan pou entèdi diskriminasyon anba yon kontra asirans lavi, revni andikap oswa swen alontèm akòz lefèt ke moun nan te resevwa medikaman pwofilaksi pre-ekspozisyon pou anpeche enfeksyon VIH. Pou plis enfòmasyon, gade Tit 24-A, §2159: Diskriminasyon enjis — asirans lavi, anuite ak asirans sante.

Housing | Discrimination | Maine

Does Maine have an anti-discrimination law protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination in housing?

Yes. On November 8, 2005, Maine voters agreed to keep in place a law, LD 1196, “An Act to Extend Civil Rights Protections to All People Regardless of Sexual Orientation”, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in the spring of 2005. The law went into effect December 28, 2005.

This marks the end of a long struggle in Maine to achieve legal protections for LGBT people. In November 1995, Maine voters rejected an attempt to limit the protected classes to those already included within the non-discrimination law. In May 1997, Maine approved an anti-discrimination law based on sexual orientation, but this law was repealed in a special election in February 1998. Then in November 2000, by the smallest of margins, Maine voters failed to ratify a second anti-discrimination law that had been approved by the legislature.

The law provides protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation which is defined as “… a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality or gender identity or expression” (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4553 (9-C)).

Does it also protect people perceived of as LGBT in housing?

Yes. The non-discrimination law specifically covers people who are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

What is prohibited by the housing anti-discrimination law in Maine?

The fair housing laws apply to any person with the right to sell, rent, lease or manage residential housing. It covers any transaction related to housing—including advertising, inquiring, showing, selling, renting, leasing, pricing, evicting, misrepresenting availability or asking price, or failing to communicate an offer (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4582. See also “Panel backs 2 men in housing complaint,” Bangor Daily News, Sept. 18, 2007 (discusses first case where the Maine Human Rights Commission “found reasonable grounds to a housing discrimination claim based on sexual orientation”))

The law declares that every individual has a basic civil right to secure decent housing in accordance with the individual’s right to pay and without discrimination because of sexual orientation (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4581).

Those who finance housing — whether financing for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of residential housing — are barred from discriminating.

Are any landlords exempt from the housing anti-discrimination law?

The following landlords are exempt from the law:

  • an owner-occupied 2-family dwelling;
  • an owner-occupied single family dwelling that rents not more than 4 rooms; and
  • a dwelling owned, controlled, or operated for other than a commercial purpose by a religious corporation that rents to its membership (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4553 (6)).

How do I file a complaint of discrimination? What happens after I file?

You should contact the Maine Human Rights Commission (MHRC) at (207) 624-6050, or at State House Station #51, Augusta, ME 04333-0051, or on the web at http://www.state.me.us/mhrc/index.shtml. The Commission prefers for people to file complaints in writing. For an overview of this process refer to the MHRC regulations, available at http://www.maine.gov/mhrc/laws/index.html.

The complaint must be under oath, state the name and address of the individual making the complaint as well as the entity he or she is complaining against (called the “respondent”). The complaint must set out the particulars of the alleged unlawful acts and the times they occurred (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4611).

Once a complaint is timely filed, a Commissioner or investigator will seek to resolve the matter. If he or she cannot do so, the Commission will proceed with an investigation to determine if there are reasonable grounds to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred. The Commission has extensive powers during the course of the investigation. Among other things, it can examine persons, places and documents, and require attendance at a factfinding hearing, and issue subpoenas for persons or documents.

If the Commissioner or investigator concludes:

  • there are no reasonable grounds, it will dismiss the case, and the complainant may file a new case in the Superior Court (See generally 5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4612);
  • there are reasonable grounds, it will try to resolve the matter through settlement (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4612).

Once the Commission process is complete, and if settlement has failed, a person can file an action for relief in court. A person may also request a “right to sue” letter from the MHRC if there has been no court action filed and no conciliation agreement in place within 180 days of filing the complaint (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4612 (6)). The person may then file an action in the Superior Court (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4621). In some situations, the Commission may file an action in court on your behalf (See generally 5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4612).

Èske mwen bezwen yon avoka?

Not necessarily. The process is designed to allow people to represent themselves. However, GLAD strongly encourages people to find a lawyer to represent them throughout the process. Not only are there many legal rules governing the MHRC process, but employers and other respondents will almost certainly have legal representation. Please call the GLAD Answers for help or for an attorney referral.

Ki dat limit pou depoze yon plent pou diskriminasyon?

A complaint must be filed with the MHRC within 300 days of the discriminatory act or acts (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4611). There are virtually no exceptions for lateness, and GLAD encourages people to move promptly in filing claims. Actions filed in Superior Court must generally be filed “not more than 2 years after the act of unlawful discrimination complained of” (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4613(2)(C)).

What are the legal remedies for discrimination?

This is a complicated area and depends on a variety of factors, including the type of discrimination and its intersection with federal laws.

As a general matter, the MHRC tries to resolve cases in which reasonable cause is found. It is not empowered to award emotional distress damages or attorney’s fees, but the parties may agree to whatever terms are mutually satisfactory for resolving the issue (94-348 Rules of Maine Human Rights Com’n secs. 2.07, 2.08. 2.09. Available at http://www.maine.gov/mhrc/laws/index.html).

As a general matter, if a person has filed with the MHRC, completed the process there, and later files his or her case in court, then a full range of compensatory and injunctive relief is available (5 Me. Rev. Stat. secs. 4613, 4614). If a discrimination complainant takes his or her case to court without first filing at the MHRC, then only injunctive relief is available in court, such as a cease and desist order, or an order to do training or post notices (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4622).

The relief ordered by a court may include: (a) hiring, reinstatement and back pay in employment cases; (b) an order to rent or sell a specified housing accommodation (or one that is substantially identical), along with damages of up to three times any excessive price demanded, and civil penal damages, to the victim in housing cases; and (c) in all cases, where the individual has exhausted the MHRC process, an order for attorney’s fees, civil penal damages, cease and desist orders, and other relief that would fulfill the purposes of the anti-discrimination laws (e.g. training programs, posting of notices).

Can I claim discrimination on a basis other than sexual orientation?

Yes, but only if you are treated differently because of a personal characteristic protected by Maine law.

In housing, the protected characteristics for public accommodations apply plus familial status (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4582).

Èske mwen ka depoze yon plent pou diskriminasyon tou nan yon ajans federal?

Yes, in many cases. Federal employment non-discrimination law, called Title VII, applies only to employers with at least 15 employees, and complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). But if you initially institute your complaint with MHRC and indicate that you wish to have the complaint cross-filed with the EEOC, then the time limit is extended to the earlier of 300 days or 30 days after MHRC has terminated the case (United States Code 42 sec. 2000e-5(e)(1)). (People who work for federal agencies are beyond the scope of this publication.)

Someone who brings a claim of discrimination may sometimes pursue protections under both state and federal law. This is true because there may be overlapping provisions of state and federal law. For example, Title VII forbids employment discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion and disability (which includes HIV status), but does not expressly forbid discrimination based on “sexual orientation” or “gender identity.”

Piske yon kantite tribinal ak ajans gouvènman k ap grandi rekonèt ke rasin diskriminasyon oryantasyon seksyèl ak idantite sèks se diskriminasyon sèks, EEOC federal la fèk endike ke li pral aksepte plent diskriminasyon "idantite sèks" ak "oryantasyon seksyèl" pou mennen ankèt sou si moun ki pote plent lan te ka sibi diskriminasyon "sèks" ki entèdi. Pou plis enfòmasyon, ale nan: http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/upload/GenderStereotyping-LGBT-brochure-OLC.pdf.

GLAD recommends that, where there may be overlapping state and federal jurisdiction, you explore filing with MHRC first but keep in mind the possibility of pursuing a federal claim as well. If you have a sexual orientation or gender identity complaint, you should check off “sex” as well as “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” as the bases for your claim and request that MHRC cross-file your complaint with the EEOC.

LGBT people who are discriminated against in housing may also be able to file a complaint with the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in addition to MHRC. For more information go to: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equ al_opp/LGBT_Housing_Discrimination.

Èske gen lòt opsyon pou depoze yon plent pou diskriminasyon?

Petèt wi, sa depann de sitiyasyon patikilye ou a.

State or Federal Court: After filing with the MHRC or EEOC, a person may decide to remove his or her discrimination case from those agencies and file in court. There are rules about when and how this must be done.

In addition, a person may file a court case to address other claims that are not appropriately handled by discrimination agencies. For example:

  • If a person has a claim for a violation of constitutional rights, such as a teacher or other governmental employee who believes his or her free speech or equal protection rights were violated, then those matters must be heard in court.

Kisa m ka fè pou m prepare tèt mwen anvan m depoze yon plent pou diskriminasyon?

In evaluating your potential claims, you have the right to request a complete copy of your personnel file at any time (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 7071 (Employee right to request personnel file)). Personnel files are the official record of your employment and are an invaluable source of information (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 7070 (Definition of personnel record)).

Whether you leave a job voluntarily or not, be cautious about signing any documents admitting to wrongdoing, or that waive your legal rights, or that are a supposed summary of what you said in an exit interview. Sometimes employees are upset or scared at the time they are terminating employment, but the documents will likely be enforceable against you later. Please be cautious.

As a general matter, people who are still working under discriminatory conditions have to evaluate how filing a case will affect their job or housing, and if they are willing to assume those possible consequences. Of course, even if a person has been fired, he or she may decide it is not worth it to pursue a discrimination claim. This is an individual choice which should be made after gathering enough information and advice to make an informed decision.

Some people prefer to meet with an attorney to evaluate the strength of their claims before filing a case. It is always helpful if you bring to your attorney an outline or diary of what happened on the job that you are complaining about. It is best if the information is organized by date and explains who the various players are (and how to get in touch with them), as well as what happened, who said what, and who was present for any important conversations or incidents. If you are concerned about a housing matter, bring a copy of your lease, along with any notices and letters you have received from your landlord.

Discriminatory Treatment | Maine

Does Maine have an anti-discrimination law protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination?

Yes. On November 8, 2005, Maine voters agreed to keep in place a law, LD 1196, “An Act to Extend Civil Rights Protections to All People Regardless of Sexual Orientation”, passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in the spring of 2005. The law went into effect December 28, 2005.

This marks the end of a long struggle in Maine to achieve legal protections for LGBT people. In November 1995, Maine voters rejected an attempt to limit the protected classes to those already included within the non-discrimination law. In May 1997, Maine approved an anti-discrimination law based on sexual orientation, but this law was repealed in a special election in February 1998. Then in November 2000, by the smallest of margins, Maine voters failed to ratify a second anti-discrimination law that had been approved by the legislature.

The law provides protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation which is defined as “… a person’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality or gender identity or expression” (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4553 (9-C)).

Does it also protect people perceived of as LGBT?

Yes. The non-discrimination law specifically covers people who are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

Is it legal for the police to tell me to “move along” from public areas?

Not necessarily. If the area is public and not posted as having particular hours, you generally have a right to be there as long as you are engaged in lawful activity. Public places belong to everyone. Even if police officers want to deter crime, or suspect some kind of unlawful intent, they have no general right to request people to move from one place to another unless there is unlawful conduct (Kent v. Dulles, 357 U.S. 116, 126 (1958); State v. Aucoin, 278 A.2d 395, 397 (Me. 1971)(striking down former version of Portland’s loitering ordinance)).

Ki règ jeneral ki genyen pou entèraksyon ak lapolis?

The presence of individuals who appear to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender—whether because such individuals are displaying symbols such as a rainbow flag or pink triangle or for any other reason—should not trigger any special scrutiny by a police officer, other than a concern for the safety and well-being of those persons that the officer would have for any other park or rest area patron.

Police may of course approach a person, and make inquiries, but even if a person has been convicted of a past offense, or fails to respond, or responds in a way which does not satisfy the officer, that alone is not grounds for the person to be arrested.

Brief intrusions upon a person are permitted if an officer can say why he or she is concerned and that concern is reasonable. For example, if an officer is concerned about someone’s safety, or suspects the person may have committed a crime, or suspects the person has committed a traffic infraction, then a stop is reasonable (State v. Gulick, 759 A.2d 1085 (Me. 2007), *2; State v. Connors, 734 A.2d 195 (Me. 1999)(investigatory stop justified when officer has articulable suspicion of civil violation or criminal activity and such suspicion is objectively reasonable in the totality of circumstances)).

An arrest can only occur upon “probable cause” that a crime has been committed (State v. Boylan, 665 A.2d 1016 (Me. 1995)(probable cause to arrest where officer has reasonably trustworthy information that would warrant an ordinarily prudent and cautious officer to believe the subject did commit or was committing a crime).  See also Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1, 16 (1968)).

Kisa m ka fè si m kwè lapolis pa trete m byen?

Complaints may be made to any individual police department for matters concerning its officers, and complaints to the Maine State Police may be made to the commanding officer of the alleged harasser. The contact person is the Director of Internal Affairs at (207) 624-7290. The State Police have a toll-free number at (800) 452-4664. The complaint should specify the name or badge number of the officer, and state whether the complaint is for actual misconduct, harassment or discrimination.

In some cases, an individual may decide to pursue a lawsuit—because of injuries, improper detainment, or for some other reason. These matters are highly specialized, and GLAD can provide you with attorney referrals. People can also register serious complaints with the Attorney General’s Office, Investigations Unit at (207) 626-8800.

Domestic Partnerships & Civil Unions | Maine

Can same-sex couples marry in Maine?

Yes! On November 6, 2012, Maine became the first state to obtain marriage rights for same-sex couples through an initiative process rather than a court case or vote by a legislature. Maine Question 1, An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses For Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom,50 was approved by the voters of Maine 53 to 47 percent.

Three years later, in Obergefell v. Hodges (135 S.Ct. 2584 (2015)), the U.S. Supreme Court made marriage equality a reality nationwide when it held that the U.S. Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marry. GLAD’s own Mary Bonauto represented the plaintiffs during oral arguments. Post-Obergefell, tout 50 eta yo oblije bay lisans maryaj bay koup menm sèks, epi tout eta yo dwe respekte maryaj koup menm sèks ki selebre nan lòt jiridiksyon.

Kisa yon patenarya domestik ye?

Domestic Partnership is a term used in many contexts. In Maine, there is a state sanctioned domestic partner registry. In addition, some Maine employers offer “domestic partnership” benefits of their own to unmarried couples.

What is the Maine Domestic Partnership Registry?

In 2004, the Maine legislature approved and former Governor John Baldacci signed a domestic partnership law titled “An Act to Promote the Financial Security of Maine’s Families and Children.” This law creates a domestic partnership registry in Maine and affords certain rights to registered domestic partners in the event of a partner’s death or incapacity. It defines “domestic partners” as “2 unmarried adults who are domiciled together under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare.” The specific requirements for registration are set out below.

What protections do I obtain by registering as a domestic partner under the state law?

  1. Inheritance Rights: In the absence of a will, registered domestic partners in Maine are given the same inheritance rights as a legally recognized spouse (although unequal tax burdens remain).
  2. Legal Priority: The law provides that a domestic partner:
    • will be treated like a spouse when seeking to be a guardian of his or her partner in the event of that partner’s incapacity;
    • will have the same priority as legal spouses in seeking a protective order concerning the partner’s estate or the welfare of the partner;
    • is entitled to notice of hearings concerning the appointment of guardians in the event of the partner’s incapacity; and
    • is entitled to notice of the issuance of protective orders in the event of death.
  3. Survivorship Rights: In the event of one partner’s death, the law makes the surviving domestic partner the first of the next of kin when determining who has the right to make funeral and burial arrangements. (As with surviving spouses, if a surviving domestic partner is estranged from the partner at the time of death, the domestic partner may not have custody and control of the deceased’s remains.)

Nòt: It is important to remember that in these matters, a written will and advance directive will supersede this law. Thus, if your partner has a written will or directive giving someone else any of these rights, that person will be given priority over you in asserting those rights, regardless of your registration as Domestic Partners.

Who can register?

Couples may become registered domestic partners in the State of Maine if they are “one of two unmarried adults who are domiciled under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare,” (18-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 1-201 (10-A)) and they meet the following specific requirements:

  • each partner is a mentally competent adult and not closely related (e.g. close relatives);
  • the domestic partners have been living together in the state for at least 12 months before the filing;
  • neither domestic partner is married or in a registered domestic partnership with another person; AND
  • each domestic partner is the sole domestic partner of the other and expects to remain so (22 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 2710(2)).

How do you register in a registered domestic partnership?

All Domestic Partner registrations are filed with the Office of Health Data and Program Management. To become registered domestic partners, the partners must jointly file a notarized form and pay the required filing fee of $35. Forms can be accessed at municipal offices, probate courts, Department of Health and Human Services offices and on the Office of Vital Records website.

Once completed and notarized, the form needs to be returned to the Office of Vital Records in Augusta with the required filing fee, either by mail or in person. Once received, the registry will file the declaration and return two certified copies of it to the domestic partners at the address provided as their common residence (22 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 2710(3)).

How do you end a registered domestic partnership?

A registered domestic partnership is ended by:

  • the marriage of either registered partner;
  • the filing of a notice of termination indicating each partner’s consent to the termination, which must be signed by both registered domestic partners before a notary; OR
  • the filing of a notice under oath from either domestic partner that the other registered partner was directly given a notice of intent to terminate the partnership. If giving notice by hand is not feasible, then a different way of giving notice may be accomplished as provided by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure for commencement of a civil action. Termination under this method is not effective until 60 days after the notice has been given (22 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 3710(4)).

Nòt: Failure to give notice could result in having to pay any loss suffered by the opposing partner due to lack of notice.

What exists beyond the Statewide registry?

  • State law requires all insurers providing health coverage in the State of Maine to offer their policyholders the option of additional benefits for their “domestic partner” (24 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 2319-A; 24-A Me. Rev. Stat. secs 2832-A & 4249 (2)).
  • Maine’s Family Medical Leave Law was amended in June 2007 (26 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 843 (4)) to include the employee’s “domestic partner” and child of the employee’s “domestic partner.” The law allows up to 10 weeks unpaid leave to care for a sick partner or the child of either the employee or partner. Also, family medical leave provides leave if an employee is a “domestic partner” of a member of the armed services (“An Act to Assist Maine Military Families” LD 256, 2007 Leg., 123rd Leg. (Me. 2007). See also, 26 Me. Rev. Stat. sec 843 (4)).
  • In 2007, the Maine legislature passed an “Act Regarding Fairness for Families Regarding Worker’s Compensation Coverage” which added “domestic partners” of employers to the list of individuals who may waive worker’s compensation coverage in certain circumstances (39-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 102 (sub-§11) (A) & (B-1)).
  • Also in 2007, the law concerning absentee ballot procedures was amended to include “domestic partners” under the definition of “immediate family” for the purpose of requesting an absentee ballot (31-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 1 (20)).

To access the above benefits, registration in the statewide domestic partnership registry is not required and the definition of “domestic partner” for these benefits is slightly different. Generally, to access these benefits, you may be required to sign an affidavit before a notary stating that:

  1. each partner is a mentally competent adult (not required for requesting an absentee ballot);
  2. the domestic partners have been legally living together for at least 12 months;
  3. neither domestic partner is legally married to or legally separated from another person;
  4. each domestic partner is the sole domestic partner of the other and expects to remain so;
  5. the domestic partners are jointly responsible for each other’s common welfare as evidenced by joint living arrangements, joint financial arrangements or joint ownership of real or personal property (26 Me. Rev. Stat sec. 843 (7); 21-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 1 (13-A); 24 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 2319-A (1)).

Same-sex couples can also execute a variety of estate planning documents and designate a non-legally related adult to have certain rights and responsibilities (see “Legal Protections for Same-Sex Couples” below).

Does the State of Maine provide domestic partner benefits to state employees, such as health insurance for the employees’ partners?

Yes. State employees can receive health insurance for their domestic partners.

  • The value of the state paid portion of the domestic partner health insurance coverage is income and taxable wages to the employee participant at both the federal and state level, unless the partner is also a tax dependent.
  • Domestic partners of employees of the University of Maine System can receive health insurance, tuition waiver, access to university facilities, and all spousal benefits not restricted by federal law.

Can cities and towns in Maine provide domestic partner health insurance benefits to their own employees?

Yes. Many lawyers also believe this result is required by the non-discrimination law if the city or town provides benefits to heterosexual couples.

It is also possible that under Maine’s mini-COBRA law for companies with fewer than 20 employees (sexual orientation is not covered by the Federal COBRA law), employees with domestic partners will have the same right as heterosexual couples to maintain health insurance coverage after employment ends (24-A Me. Rev. Stat. secs. 2849-B & C).

Some employers provided these benefits before the non-discrimination law was amended to include sexual orientation. For example, the City of Portland extends domestic partner benefits, including health insurance, to qualified domestic partners of City and School Department employees. In order to qualify for such benefits, an employee must have his or her partnership registered by the City and must provide the City or School Department with two or more forms of proof exhibiting that they are jointly responsible for each other’s common welfare and share financial obligations. Examples of such proof include the joint mortgage or ownership of property; the designation as a beneficiary in the employee’s will, retirement contract or life insurance; a notarized partnership agreement or relationship contract; and any two of the following: a joint checking account, a joint credit account, a joint lease, or the joint ownership of a motor vehicle (Portland, Me. Code, sec. 13.6-21 (2001). Available at: http://ci.portland.me.us/citycode/chapter013_6.pdf).

Note that municipal domestic partner plans have withstood a court challenge. In 2004, GLAD, together with the Portland City Attorney and cooperating counsel, successfully represented the City of Portland in a challenge to the domestic partnership registry system and benefits offered there. The claim was that the domestic partnership law was superceded by the state anti-gay, anti-marriage law. See Pulsifer v. City of Portland, and GLAD’s press release Maine Trial Court Upholds Portland’s Domestic Partnership Ordinance.

In addition, the cities of Bar Harbor and Camden and the County of Cumberland provide domestic partner health insurance benefits to their employees. Portland also maintains a domestic partner registry which allows people to register their relationships and receive family memberships and rights in city-run facilities.

Ki kalite benefis patwon prive yo ka bay pou patnè domestik?

Private employers can provide to domestic partners many benefits, such as health insurance, family medical or bereavement leave, equal pension benefits, relocation expenses, or access to company facilities. While it’s hard to identify all employers providing benefits in Maine, they include L.L. Bean, Care Development of Maine, Fairchild Semiconductor, Idexx Laboratories, Inc., Energy East Corp., The Gale Group, Hannaford, Maine Coast Memorial Hospital, Maine Medical Center, TD Banknorth Group, the University of Maine System, the University of New England, and Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby Colleges (see The Human Rights Campaign’s Employer Database, available at http://www.hrc.org/issues/workplace/equal_opportunity/search_employers.asp).

Even when employers provide these benefits, though, federal and state laws require different tax treatment of the benefits for domestic partners as compared to spouses. For example, an employee must pay federal and state income tax on the value of his or her partner’s health insurance benefits (unless the partner is a tax dependent), but a spouse does not (see e.g., Internal Revenue Code, Private Letter Ruling 9603011 (Jan. 19, 1996)). Partners do not qualify as spouses under federally-controlled Flexible Spending Accounts unless the partner is also a tax dependent.

As for pensions, under the Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006, employers may amend their 401(k) plans so that non-spouse beneficiaries may retain the asset as a retirement asset. If a plan is so amended, beneficiaries may “roll over” the 401(k) into an IRA depending upon the employee’s death whereas previous law required the beneficiary to take and pay income taxes on the 401(k) as a lump sum (see Human Rights Campaign, Pension Plans, available at http://www.hrc.org/issues/4821.htm).

However, other discriminatory aspects of federal law remain regarding pensions. A domestic partner has no right to sign off if his or her partner decides to name someone else as the beneficiary of a pension, although a spouse would have that right. In addition, a domestic partner has no right comparable to that of a spouse to sign off on his or her partner’s designation of another person for survivor benefits.

What steps can a couple take to safeguard their relationship in Maine?

Whether the couple is married or in a Maine registered domestic partnership or does not have an legal relationship, they can protect their relationship through the following:

  1. Akò oswa Kontra Relasyon: Agreements regarding property and finances should be respected and honored according to ordinary rules of contract law. The Maine Law Court has not yet specifically ruled on the subject, but that result comports with Maine contract law and the law of other states that have found such agreements to be enforceable.
  2. Pouvwa Avoka Dirab: Any competent person may appoint another person as their “attorney-in-fact” for financial and/or other matters in the event they become incapacitated or disabled. If no such appointment is made, then a “family” member will be empowered to make decisions for the disabled or incapacitated individual.

A person may also nominate their guardian or conservator in the same document. This is a longer-term appointment that takes priority over the attorney-in-fact. This choice can only be rejected by a court for “good cause or disqualification.” The mere fact that a family member is not named as the guardian or conservator does not constitute good cause.

  1. Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: Medical care providers often look to next-of-kin to make health care decisions for an incapacitated individual. If an unmarried person wants someone other than their legal family to make these decisions, then a durable power of attorney for health care is a critical source of protection. In Maine, a person can appoint a health care agent to make decisions for him or her immediately, or upon incompetence. It must be signed by two witnesses (not including the person appointed as attorney-in-fact). It can only be revoked while they are still competent. Otherwise, it must be revoked in court.

While a written Durable Power of Attorney provides the most certainty that a person will be cared for by the person they want to make those decisions, Maine law also has a procedure by which “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse” can make health care decisions for an incapacitated person.

This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their incapacitated partner’s health care decisions absent documentation.

Within this Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, or in a separate document called an “Advance Directive,” a person may address end of life issues like artificial nutrition and other life-sustaining treatments. The Attorney General’s Office has a model advance directive posted on their website, Advance Health-Care Directive Form | Maine.gov .

While a written Advance Directive provides the most certainty that a person’s wishes will be followed, Maine law also allows a procedure for a person to make end of life decisions for another if they can prove they are family members. Spouses are given first priority, followed by “an adult who shares an emotional, physical and financial relationship with the patient similar to that of a spouse. ”This provision might be cumbersome to enforce but provides a way for a partner to be involved in their partner’s end of life decision.

  1. Pral: Without a will and without having registered as a domestic partner, a deceased unmarried person’s property passes to: (1) their children; (2) their family; (3) if next-of-kin cannot be located, to the state. If the person wishes to provide for others, such as their partner, a will is essential. Even if a person has few possessions, they can name in the will who will administer their estate. If a person has children, they can nominate a guardian of the child which will become effective upon death. Such nominations are highly regarded by courts although they are not binding on the court.
  2. Dokiman Planifikasyon Antèman: Upon death, a person’s next-of-kin is given control of the deceased’s body. This means that a person’s own partner has no automatic right to remove the body or make plans for a final resting place.

If a person has either (1) registered as a domestic partner under the state law; and/or (2) designated in writing that another person is to have custody and control of their remains (such as their partner or a friend), then that person will have control over the body as well as funeral arrangements and the selection of a final resting place.81 It is infinitely preferable to prepare funeral planning documents in advance than to leave instructions as part of a will since a will may not be found for days after death.

Èske yon moun bezwen yon avoka pou jwenn dokiman sa yo?

GLAD rekòmande pou w travay avèk yon avoka sou dokiman sa yo.

Although some forms are available, the form may not be suited to your individual needs and wishes and may not conform to the specific requirements of Maine law, which would render them invalid and unenforceable.

Moreover, attorneys may be able to help effectuate your goals, for example, by drafting a will in a way which is more likely to deter a will contest by unhappy family members. In addition, many people find attorney assistance critical because same-sex couples are afforded different tax treatment from married heterosexual couples. Failure to consider tax consequences can lead to enormous difficulties upon death or separation.

Si yon koup ki pa marye separe, ki estati legal yon relasyon oswa yon akò/kontra patenarya?

Upon separation, the terms of a Relationship or Partnership Agreement/Contract will come into play if the couple has one.

Absent an agreement, generally applicable rules about jointly owned property and accounts come into play. Some couples can get involved in costly and protracted litigation about property and financial matters but without the predictable rules of the divorce system to help them sort through it. It is notable that the Law Court has respectfully handled the dissolution of a same-sex domestic partnership under equitable principles and the law of joint tenancy.

PLEASE NOTE: If a person has changed their mind about who should be their attorney-in-fact, or health care agent, or beneficiary or executor under a will, or funeral planner, then those documents should be revoked — with notice to all persons who were given copies of those documents, and new documents should be prepared which reflect the person’s present wishes.

Ki estanda koup menm sèks ki gen timoun k ap separe yo ta dwe respekte?

Koup menm sèks ki gen timoun epi k ap separe ta dwe:

  1. Sipòte dwa paran LGBTQ+ yo;
  2. Onore relasyon ki deja egziste yo kèlkeswa etikèt legal yo;
  3. Onore relasyon paran timoun yo ki deja egziste apre separasyon an;
  4. Kenbe kontinwite pou timoun yo;
  5. Chèche yon rezolisyon volontè;
  6. Sonje byen, separe se yon bagay ki difisil pou fè;
  7. Menen ankèt sou akizasyon abi;
  8. Pa kite absans akò oswa relasyon legal detèmine rezilta yo;
  9. Trete litij kòm yon dènye rekou; epi
  10. Refize pou w sèvi ak lwa ak santiman omofob/transfob pou w rive nan yon rezilta ou vle.

Pou plis enfòmasyon detaye sou nòm sa yo, gade piblikasyon Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBTQ+ yo nan adrès sa a: Pwoteje Fanmi yo: Nòm pou Fanmi LGBTQ+ | GLAD

Hate Crimes | Maine

Does Maine have a hate crimes law?

Maine has a hate crimes law that permits consideration of the nature of the crime during the sentencing phase (17-A Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 1151 (8)(B)). If the defendant selected a person or his or her property for criminal activity because of, among other things, sexual orientation, then that fact can be taken into account. The law, however, does not include gender identity or expression among the factors to be taken into consideration upon sentencing.

Where can I call if I think I’ve been a victim of a hate crime?

In addition to the local police, you may contact the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Unit at (207) 626-8800, or online at http://www.maine.gov/ag/civil_rights/index.shtml.

What additional protections against hate crimes and harassment exist in Maine law?

  1. General Criminal Laws: Hate crimes are prosecuted under existing criminal laws, such as assault and battery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, murder, and so on. These generic laws do nothing to address the fact that an assault was hate-motivated, but they provide for criminal accountability, and the selection of a person (or his or her property) because of sexual orientation can then be considered in the sentencing phase.
  2. “Civil Rights Law”: On the civil side, Maine law provides for civil remedies when a person violates another person’s state or federal rights in certain circumstances (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4682). This provision, known as the “Maine Civil Rights Act” specifically states that a “person has the right to engage in lawful activities” without being subject to the infliction or threat of physical force or violence or the damage, destruction or trespass of property, motivated by reason of sexual orientation (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4684-A). Contact local law enforcement or the Attorney General’s office if you have been a victim under this law as the State is the primary enforcer of this statute. More specifically, the law allows a person to bring a private action against someone who uses or threatens physical force or violence, damages, destroys or trespasses on property, or threatens to damage, destroy or trespass on property in a manner that intentionally interferes or attempts to interfere with another person’s exercise or enjoyment of their rights under state or federal law (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4681). If those elements are met, then a person may bring an action for legal and equitable relief. Aside from the possibility of recovering money damages, equitable relief means that the person suing can obtain an order forbidding the attacker from coming near him or her, whether at home, at work, in school, or even from telephoning him or her. Actions must be brought within 6 years, although moving promptly is always an advantage (14 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 752). In addition to whatever relief a restraining order may provide, it is also important that violation of a restraining order is a criminal offense that can be prosecuted. You should report any violations of a restraining order to local police, and keep careful records of any and all violations. The Attorney General’s Office also has the power to bring civil rights actions on behalf of people who are harassed or threatened (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4681). The contact information is listed above.
  3. Harassment Law: Maine law permits people to petition the District or Superior Court for an order preventing harassment (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4652). “Harassment” is defined as “any repeated act of intimidation, harassment, physical force or threat of physical force directed against any person, family, or their property or advocate with the intention of causing fear or intimidation or to deter free exercise or enjoyment of any rights or privileges secured by” the Constitution or laws of Maine or the United States. Under this law, a person may seek emergency orders, and later seek temporary orders, and ultimately seek final orders of protection. In addition, with final orders, a successful plaintiff may be awarded damages for direct losses caused by the harassment (e.g., lost earnings, property repair or replacement), reasonable moving expenses and court costs and attorney’s fees (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4655). Violation of a court restraining order is a criminal offense (5 Me. Rev. Stat. sec. 4659).

Nan ki fason lalwa federal sou krim rayisman an ta ka ede mennen ankèt ak pouswiv krim rayisman yo?

La Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (vizite HR 2647 nan https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/909/text) was passed by Congress on October 22, 2009 and was signed into law by President Obama on October 28, 2009.  It expands the 1969 United States federal hate crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Premye, e petèt pi enpòtan, Lwa a pèmèt ajans ki fè respekte lalwa lokal ak eta yo pou aplike pou asistans federal sa yo nan men Avoka Jeneral Etazini an:

  • sipò envestigatif, teknik, forensik oswa pouswit jidisyè pou ankèt ak pouswit jidisyè kriminèl,
  • sibvansyon pou depans ekstraòdinè ki asosye ak ankèt ak pouswit krim rayisman, epi
  • sibvansyon pou konbat krim rayisman ke jèn yo komèt.

Nan bay asistans bay otorite lokal ak leta yo, priyorite yo se krim rayisman:

  • kote delenkan an (yo) te komèt krim nan plis pase yon eta, oubyen
  • ki rive nan zòn riral yo ki pa gen resous ki nesesè pou pouswiv krim sa yo.

Second, for hate crimes that in some way involve crossing state or national borders, or involve or affect interstate commerce, and where a state does not have jurisdiction or has requested federal assumption of jurisdiction, or where the federal government feels that justice has not been served or that U.S. prosecution is in the public interest,  the Act authorizes the federal government to prosecute the case.

The Act also requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to track statistics on hate crimes on the basis of gender and gender identity (statistics for the other groups are already tracked) and on crimes committed by and against juveniles.  This is the first federal law to explicitly extend legal protections to transgender persons.

Diskriminasyon | VIH/SIDA | Maine

Kesyon ak repons sou diskriminasyon kont VIH/SIDA. Gade tou paj nou yo sou Tès ak Konfidansyalite epi Lòt lwa ki gen rapò ak VIH.

Èske gen lwa nan Maine ki pwoteje moun ki gen VIH kont diskriminasyon?

Wi, Maine te pase lwa anti-diskriminasyon ki pwoteje moun ki gen VIH kont diskriminasyon nan travay, lojman ak akomodasyon piblik. Anplis de sa, gen yon kantite lwa federal ki pwoteje moun kont diskriminasyon ki baze sou estati VIH yo.

Moun ki gen VIH yo pwoteje anba lwa ki entèdi diskriminasyon ki baze sou andikap. Sa gen ladan Lwa federal sou Ameriken ki gen Andikap (ADA), ak lwa Maine sou andikap ak anti-diskriminasyon.

Ki moun ki pwoteje anba lwa anti-diskriminasyon yo?

Moun sa yo pwoteje anba Lwa sou Dwa Moun nan Maine (MHRA) ak Lwa sou Ameriken ki Andikape yo (ADA):

  • Moun ki gen SIDA oubyen ki VIH pozitif, menm si yo pa gen okenn sentòm epi yo pa gen okenn siy maladi oubyen siy aparan.
  • Moun yo konsidere oswa pèsevwa kòm moun ki gen VIH.
  • Yon moun ki pa gen VIH, men ki gen yon "relasyon" oswa ki "asosye" ak yon moun ki gen VIH—tankou zanmi, mennaj, mari oswa madanm, moun k ap viv nan menm chanm avè l, asosye biznis, defansè ak moun k ap pran swen yon moun oswa plizyè moun ki gen VIH.

Ki lwa ki pwoteje moun ki gen VIH kont diskriminasyon nan travay?

Moun ki gen VIH yo pwoteje kont diskriminasyon ki gen rapò ak travay anba MHRA1 la ak ADA federal la. Toulede lwa sa yo, ki prèske idantik, entèdi diskriminasyon nan travay ki baze sou andikap yon moun. Lalwa Maine kouvri anplwayè leta ak prive ki gen youn oubyen plizyè moun. ADA a kouvri anplwayè ki gen 15 anplwaye oubyen plis.

Kisa lwa anti-diskriminasyon sa yo entèdi?

Yon anplwayè pa ka pran aksyon negatif kont yon kandida oswa yon anplwaye tou senpleman paske moun nan gen yon andikap tankou VIH oswa SIDA. Sa vle di yon anplwayè pa ka revoke, refize anboche, reanboche, oswa ankouraje yon moun, oswa fè diskriminasyon nan tèm oswa kondisyon travay, ki baze sou estati VIH/SIDA yon moun.

Fòk nou konsantre isit la se si yon moun ki gen SIDA oswa VIH te trete yon fason diferan pase lòt kandida oswa anplwaye ki nan menm sitiyasyon.

Èske yon anplwayè nan Maine ka janm egzije yon kandida oswa yon anplwaye pou fè yon tès VIH?

Non, yon anplwayè pa ka egzije yon kandida oswa yon anplwaye pou soumèt yon tès VIH oswa divilge estati VIH kòm yon kondisyon pou anplwa oswa pou kenbe travay la.4

Sepandan, gen yon eksepsyon ki pèmèt yon anplwayè egzije yon tès VIH lè li baze sou yon "kalifikasyon pwofesyonèl bon jan kalite". Gen kèk anviwònman travay, si genyen, kote yon anplwayè ta ka genyen nan opinyon li ke yon tès VIH baze sou yon "kalifikasyon pwofesyonèl bon jan kalite".

Sepandan, gen yon devlopman legal resan ki merite atansyon espesyal isit la. Gen kèk tribinal ki deside ke travayè swen sante ki VIH pozitif epi ki fè pwosedi pwogrese yo ka revoke nan travay yo akòz risk transmisyon VIH ki poze pou pasyan yo. AIDS Law Project kwè ke ka sa yo te mal jije. Sepandan, nan limyè ka sa yo, li enpòtan pou yon travayè swen sante jwenn konsèy oswa asistans legal si yon anplwayè egzije yon tès VIH kòm yon kondisyon pou travay.

Kisa yon anplwayè ka mande sou sante yon anplwaye pandan pwosesis aplikasyon an ak entèvyou a?

Anba lalwa ADA a ak lalwa Maine, anvan yon anplwa, yon anplwayè pa ka poze kesyon ki vize detèmine si yon anplwaye gen yon andikap. Men kèk egzanp kesyon anvan anplwa ki entèdi:

  • Èske ou janm te entène lopital oubyen anba swen yon doktè?
  • Èske ou janm te resevwa benefis pou aksidan travay oswa andikap?
  • Ki medikaman ou pran?

Apre yon òf travay, èske yon anplwayè ka egzije yon egzamen medikal? Ki direktiv ki aplike?

Apre yon òf travay kondisyonèl, ADA a ak Lwa Maine pèmèt yon anplwayè mande yon egzamen fizik oswa yon istwa medikal. Sepandan, yo pa ka retire òf travay la sof si rezilta yo demontre ke moun nan pa ka fè fonksyon esansyèl travay la avèk oswa san aranjman rezonab. Yo dwe fè menm kesyon medikal yo pou chak moun ki nan menm kategori travay la. Anplis de sa, dosye egzamen fizik sa yo ak istwa medikal yo dwe separe de dosye pèsonèl yo, epi gen pwoteksyon konfidansyalite strik. Apre anplwa a kòmanse, ADA a ak Lwa Maine pèmèt yon anplwayè mande yon egzamen fizik, sèlman si li gen rapò ak travay la epi li konsistan avèk nesesite biznis la.

Ki jan tribinal yo te adrese laperèz ke anplwaye swen sante ki fè pwosedi envaziv, tankou chirijyen, pral transmèt VIH bay pasyan yo?

Yo konsidere risk transmisyon VIH soti nan yon travayè swen sante bay yon pasyan tèlman piti ke li prèske zewo. Malgre sa, nan ka kote lopital yo te chèche limite oswa mete fen nan privilèj travayè swen sante ki VIH pozitif ki fè pwosedi pwogrese, tribinal yo te reyaji avèk yon gwo laperèz epi yo te ensiste sou yon estanda "zewo risk" enposib. Kòm rezilta, ti kantite tribinal ki te adrese pwoblèm sa a anba ADA a te konfime revokasyon sa yo.

Dispozisyon anplwa ki nan ADA a prevwa ke yon anplwaye pa kalifye pou fè travay la si li poze yon "menas dirèk pou sante oswa sekirite lòt moun". Pou detèmine si yon anplwaye poze yon "menas dirèk", yon tribinal analize:

  • Nati, dire ak gravite risk la;
  • Pwobabilite risk la; epi
  • Si wi ou non risk la ka elimine pa akomodasyon rezonab.

Nan ka travayè swen sante ki VIH pozitif yo, tribinal yo inyore pwobabilite trè lejè risk la epi yo konsantre pito sou nati, dire ak gravite risk la. Ekstrè sa a ki soti nan yon ka resan se tipik apwòch tribinal yo:

"Nou kwè Dr. Doe poze yon gwo risk pou sante ak sekirite pasyan l yo, yon risk ki pa ka elimine avèk aranjman rezonab. Malgre ke pa gen okenn ka transmisyon de chirijyen a pasyan ki dokimante kounye a, transmisyon sa a klèman posib. Epi, risk pou blesi perkutan pa janm ka elimine avèk aranjman rezonab... Kidonk, menm si Dr. Doe pran plis prekosyon... yon sèten mezi risk ap toujou egziste..." (Doe kont Kòporasyon Sistèm Medikal Inivèsite Maryland, 50 F.3d 1261 (4yèm Anviwon 1995)).

Li enpòtan pou nou note ke se sèlman yon ti kantite tribinal ki te adrese dwa travayè swen sante ki VIH pozitif yo. AIDS Law Project kwè ke ka sa yo te mal deside epi yo pa konsistan avèk entansyon Kongrè a lè li te pase ADA a. Akòz nati enstab lalwa a nan domèn sa a, yon travayè swen sante ki fè fas ak yon potansyèl diskriminasyon nan travay ta dwe konsilte yon avoka oswa yon defansè sante piblik.

Evalye Diskriminasyon pa yon Anplwayè

Malgre ke li ka itil pou konsilte ak yon avoka, etap sa yo ka itil pou kòmanse konsidere ak evalye yon pwoblèm diskriminasyon nan travay potansyèl.

1. Konsidere diferans ki genyen ant enjistis ak diskriminasyon ilegal. An rezime, lalwa travay la se ke yo ka revoke yon anplwaye pou yon bon rezon, yon move rezon, oswa pa gen okenn rezon ditou. Yo ka revoke yon moun legalman pou anpil rezon, tankou yon move "konpatibilite pèsonalite". Sa yo pa ka revoke l pou yon rezon diskriminatwa ki espesyalman entèdi pa yon lwa.

2. Pou pwouve yon plent pou diskriminasyon (sa vle di, ke yo te revoke w, degrade w, elatriye akoz diskriminasyon epi non pa akoz yon rezon lejitim), ou dwe kapab montre bagay sa yo:

  • Patwon-an te konnen oswa te dekouvri ke ou VIH pozitif oswa ou gen SIDA;
  • Ou te kalifye pou fè fonksyon esansyèl travay la avèk oswa san aranjman rezonab; epi
  • Yo te pran aksyon negatif kont ou akòz estati VIH oswa SIDA ou epi rezon pretèks anplwayè a bay pou aksyon negatif la se fo.

3. Si patwon ou konnen ou gen VIH oswa SIDA, idantifye egzakteman ki moun ki konnen, kijan yo konnen, ak ki lè yo te dekouvri sa. Si ou pa di patwon ou, èske gen nenpòt lòt fason patwon an ta ka konnen oswa sispèk estati VIH ou a?

4. Konsidere rezon ki fè ou kwè ke y ap trete w yon fason diferan akòz estati VIH ou a, tankou domèn sa yo: o Èske lòt anplwaye ki nan menm sitiyasyon an te trete w yon fason diferan oswa menm jan an?

  • Èske patwon ou an te swiv règleman pèsonèl li yo? o Èske tretman negatif la te kòmanse yon ti tan apre patwon an te aprann estati VIH ou a?
  • Èske ou te pèdi travay ou akòz maladi pandan nenpòt peryòd tan epi èske tretman negatif la te kòmanse lè ou te retounen nan travay?
  • Ki vèsyon patwon ou a pral bay sou evènman yo? Kijan ou pral pwouve ke vèsyon patwon an se fo?

5. Èske w gen difikilte pou w ranpli devwa travay ou akòz nenpòt pwoblèm sante oswa medikal ki gen rapò ak VIH? Èske kondisyon w lan anpeche w travay aplentan, oswa èske w bezwen konje pou randevou medikal, travay ki pi lejè oswa yon pozisyon ki mwens estrèsan? Ou ta ka vle fè yon brase lide pou kreye yon aranjman rezonab ke ou ka pwopoze bay anplwayè w la.

Men kèk pwen pou konsidere:

  • Ki jan konpayi an fonksyone e kijan akomodasyon an ta mache an pratik?
  • Mete tèt ou nan plas sipèvizè w la. Ki objeksyon yo ta ka soulve kont aranjman rezonab yo mande a? Pa egzanp, si ou bezwen kite nan yon sèten lè pou randevou medikal, ki moun ki ta ranplase devwa w yo?

Ki lwa nan Maine ki entèdi diskriminasyon nan lojman?

Li ilegal anba lalwa Maine14 ak Amannman Nasyonal sou Jistis nan Lojman an 198815 pou fè diskriminasyon nan vant oswa lokasyon lojman sou baz estati VIH yon moun. Yo pa ka mete yon moun deyò nan yon apatman poutèt estati VIH oswa SIDA li, oswa paske yo konsidere li kòm moun ki gen VIH oswa SIDA.

Anplis de sa, yon moun pa ka sibi diskriminasyon nan lojman poutèt "asosyasyon" li avèk yon moun ki gen VIH. Sa vle di yon moun pa ka sibi diskriminasyon paske kanmarad chanm li, mennaj li, zanmi li, fanmi li, oswa patnè biznis li gen VIH.

Èske gen eksepsyon pou lwa sa yo?

Wi, gen eksepsyon nan lalwa Maine pou lokasyon yon chanm nan yon bilding pwopriyetè a okipe kote yo pa lwe plis pase 4 chanm; epi pou bilding de fanmi ki pwopriyetè a okipe. Anplis de sa, Lwa sou Jistis nan Lojman an egzante, nan sèten sikonstans, bilding ki pwopriyetè a okipe ki pa gen plis pase kat inite, lojman unifamilyal ki vann oswa lwe san yo pa itilize yon koutye ak lojman ki opere pa òganizasyon ak klib prive ki limite okipasyon an pou manm yo sèlman.

Èske lalwa Maine pwoteje kont diskriminasyon nan men founisè swen sante, biznis ak lòt kote piblik?

Anba ADA ak MHRA, li ilegal pou eskli yon moun ki gen VIH nan yon plas piblik (sa lalwa rele yon "plas akomodasyon piblik") oswa pou bay sèvis inegal oswa restriksyon bay yon moun ki gen VIH nan yon plas piblik. Anba tou de lwa yo, tèm "akomodasyon piblik" la gen ladan l nenpòt etablisman oswa biznis ki ofri sèvis bay piblik la. Anplis de sa, Lwa Federal Reyabilitasyon 19738 la entèdi diskriminasyon sou baz andikap nan nenpòt ajans oswa pwogram ki resevwa finansman federal, tankou lopital, kabinè medikal oswa dantè, ak enstitisyon edikasyonèl.

Se poutèt sa, moun ki gen VIH yo pwoteje kont diskriminasyon nan prèske tout kote piblik oswa biznis, tankou ba, restoran, otèl, lekòl, pwogram pwofesyonèl oswa lòt pwogram edikasyonèl, taksi, otobis, avyon ak lòt mwayen transpò, klib sante, lopital ak klinik medikal ak dantè, depi etablisman sa yo jeneralman ouvè pou piblik la.

Anplis de sa, lalwa Maine entèdi espesyalman diskriminasyon nan edikasyon ki baze sou andikap.

Èske diskriminasyon pwofesyonèl swen sante yo kont moun ki gen VIH toujou yon pwoblèm?

Kwè li ou pa, wi, moun ki gen VIH toujou ap fè fas ak diskriminasyon nan men lopital, doktè, dantis ak lòt founisè swen sante. Diskriminasyon sa a ka pran fòm yon refi kareman pou bay sèvis medikal oswa yon referans ilegal akòz estati VIH yon pasyan.

Ki kalite agiman doktè ki fè diskriminasyon kont moun ki gen VIH yo bay, e èske agiman sa yo lejitim?

Doktè yo tipikman eseye jistifye diskriminasyon kont moun ki gen VIH ak youn nan de agiman sa yo:

  1. “Trete Moun ki gen VIH se Danjere” (Gen kèk doktè ki refize trete moun ki gen VIH paske yo pè pou yo pa transmèt VIH); epi
  2. "Tretman Moun ki gen VIH Mande Ekspètiz Espesyal" (Gen kèk doktè ki refere pasyan yo bay lòt founisè swen medikal ki baze sou yon kwayans ki pa kòrèk ke doktè jeneralis yo pa kalifye pou bay swen pasyan ki gen VIH).

Ni yon refi kareman pou bay tretman medikal ni referans nesesè akoz andikap yon moun se ilegal anba lalwa ADA a ak lalwa Maine.

Ki jan tribinal yo ak ekspè medikal yo te reyaji a agiman sa yo?

Tribinal yo ak ekspè medikal yo te reponn a agiman sa yo nan fason sa yo:

1. "Trete moun ki gen VIH se danjere"

Doktè ak dantis ka deklare ke yon refi pou trete yon pasyan ki gen VIH se lejitim paske yo pè yo ka pran VIH tèt yo atravè pike zegwi oswa lòt ekspozisyon nan san. Sepandan, etid sou travayè swen sante yo konkli ke risk pou pran VIH akòz ekspozisyon pwofesyonèl la minim, sitou lè yo itilize prekosyon inivèsèl.

Se poutèt sa, an 1998, Lakou Siprèm Etazini an te pran yon desizyon nan ka a Bragdon kont Abbott ke founisè swen sante yo pa ka refize trete moun ki gen VIH paske yo enkyete oswa laperèz konsènan transmisyon VIH la (524 US 624 (1998)).

Anplis pèspektiv legal la, ni Asosyasyon Medikal Ameriken an ni Asosyasyon Dantè Ameriken an, ansanm ak anpil lòt òganizasyon pwofesyonèl swen sante, te pibliye règleman ki di li pa etik pou refize tretman bay yon moun ki gen VIH.

2. "Tretman Moun ki gen VIH mande yon ekspètiz espesyal"

Nan ka sa yo, merit yon plent pou diskriminasyon depann de si, ki baze sou prèv medikal objektif, sèvis oswa tretman pasyan an bezwen an mande yon rekòmandasyon bay yon espesyalis oswa si li nan kad sèvis ak konpetans founisè a.

Nan Etazini kont Morvant, yon tribinal federal te rejte reklamasyon yon dantis ki te di pasyan ki gen VIH bezwen yon espesyalis pou swen dantè routin (898 F. Supp. 1157 (ED La 1995)). Tribinal la te dakò ak temwayaj ekspè yo ki te di ke pa gen okenn fòmasyon espesyal oswa ekspètiz, apa de sa yon dantis jeneral genyen, ki nesesè pou bay tretman dantè bay moun ki gen VIH. Tribinal la te rejte espesyalman agiman dantis la ki te di ke li pa t kalifye paske li pa t rete okouran de literati ak fòmasyon ki nesesè pou trete pasyan ki gen VIH. Pandan ke ka sa a te leve nan kontèks swen dantè, li aplikab nan lòt anviwònman medikal tou.

Ki dispozisyon espesifik nan ADA a ki entèdi diskriminasyon nan men founisè swen sante yo?

Anba Tit III ADA a (42 USC §§ 12181-12188), li ilegal pou yon founisè swen sante:

  1. Etabli "kritè kalifikasyon" pou privilèj pou resevwa sèvis medikal yo, ki gen tandans pou elimine pasyan ki teste pozitif pou VIH.
  2. Refize yon pasyan ki VIH pozitif pou "jwi sèvis medikal yo nèt ale epi egalman" oubyen refize yon pasyan ki VIH pozitif pou "benefisye" sèvis medikal yo menm jan ak lòt pasyan yo.
  3. Bay pasyan ki VIH pozitif oswa ki pa bay pasyan sèvis "diferan oswa separe" nan "anviwònman ki pi entegre a".
  4. Refize sèvis medikal egal a yon moun ke yo konnen ki gen yon "relasyon" oswa "asosyasyon" ak yon moun ki gen VIH, tankou yon mari oswa yon madanm, yon patnè, yon pitit, oswa yon zanmi.

Ki pratik swen sante espesifik ki konstitye diskriminasyon ilegal kont moun ki gen VIH?

Lè nou aplike dispozisyon espesifik ADA ki anwo yo nan pratik swen sante, pratik sa yo ilegal:

  • Yon founisè swen sante pa ka refize trete yon moun ki gen VIH paske li santi li gen risk transmisyon VIH la oubyen paske doktè a tou senpleman pa santi l alèz pou trete yon moun ki gen VIH.
  • Yon founisè swen sante pa ka dakò pou trete yon pasyan sèlman nan yon anviwònman tretman deyò biwo abityèl doktè a, tankou yon klinik espesyal nan yon lopital, tou senpleman paske moun nan VIH pozitif.
  • Yon founisè swen sante pa ka refere yon pasyan ki gen VIH bay yon lòt klinik oswa yon lòt espesyalis, sof si tretman ki nesesè a pa nan kad pratik abityèl oswa espesyalite doktè a. ADA a egzije pou referans pasyan ki gen VIH yo fèt sou menm baz ak referans lòt pasyan yo. Sepandan, li pèmèt pou refere yon pasyan bay swen espesyalize si pasyan an gen kondisyon medikal ki gen rapò ak VIH ki pa nan kad konpetans oswa sèvis founisè a.
  • Yon founisè swen sante pa ka ogmante pri sèvis pou yon pasyan ki gen VIH pou l ka itilize prekosyon adisyonèl anplis pwosedi kontwòl enfeksyon OSHA ak CDC yo egzije. Nan sèten sikonstans, li ka menm yon vyolasyon ADA pou itilize prekosyon adisyonèl ki pa nesesè ki gen tandans estigmatize yon pasyan tou senpleman sou baz estati VIH li.
  • Yon founisè swen sante pa ka limite lè yo pwograme pou trete pasyan ki gen VIH, tankou ensiste pou yon pasyan ki gen VIH vini nan fen jounen an.

Ki kèk remèd potansyèl ki genyen pou diskriminasyon anba lalwa federal la?

Pou pouswiv yon plent anba Lwa Ameriken sou Andikap pou diskriminasyon nan travay, patwon-an dwe gen omwen 15 anplwaye. Yon moun dwe depoze yon plent bay Komisyon Egalite Opòtinite nan Travay (EEOC) nan lespas 180 jou apati dat zak diskriminasyon an. Yon moun ka retire yon plent ADA nan men EEOC epi depoze yon pwosè nan tribinal eta a oswa federal.

Pou pouswiv yon plent anba Lwa Ameriken sou Andikap pou diskriminasyon nan yon kote piblik, yon moun ka, san l pa ale nan yon ajans administratif anvan, depoze yon plent nan tribinal leta oswa federal pou yon soulajman sèlman (sa vle di, chèche yon lòd tribinal pou konduit diskriminatwa a sispann). Pa gen domaj lajan ki disponib pou vyolasyon Tit III ADA a sof si Depatman Lajistis Etazini mande yo. Sepandan, yon moun ka jwenn domaj lajan anba Lwa Federal sou Reyabilitasyon an nan ka kont antite ki resevwa finansman federal.

Pou pouswiv yon reklamasyon anba Lwa Reyabilitasyon an, yon moun ka depoze yon plent administratif nan biwo rejyonal Depatman Sante ak Sèvis Sosyal federal la epi/oswa depoze yon pwosè dirèkteman nan tribinal la.

Pou pouswiv yon plent anba Lwa Nasyonal sou Jistis nan Lojman pou diskriminasyon nan lojman, yon moun ka depoze yon plent nan Biwo Lojman ak Devlopman Iben Etazini nan yon ane apre vyolasyon an. Yon moun ka depoze yon pwosè tou nan dezan apre vyolasyon an. Yo ka depoze yon pwosè kit yon moun te depoze yon plent nan HUD kit li pa te depoze yon plent.

htKreyòl Ayisyen
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