Same-sex marriage in the United States

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Jack Baker and Michael McConnell at home, Minneapolis, Minnesota LCCN2017648764

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Wedding in New Orleans, November 11, 2017

Same-sex marriage in San Francisco City Hall 20080617

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Garden State Equality May 2011 protest (5694200900)

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Same-sex marriage in the United States is the legally recognized union between two people of the same gender. It has been a subject of public debate, legal battles, and social change across the country. The journey towards the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States has been marked by significant milestones, culminating in the landmark decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in 2015.

History

The history of same-sex marriage in the United States can be traced back to the early 1970s when the first lawsuits seeking legal recognition of same-sex relationships were filed. However, it was not until the 21st century that significant progress was made. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage following a ruling by the state's Supreme Judicial Court.

Over the following decade, a combination of court decisions, state legislation, and popular votes gradually increased the number of states recognizing same-sex marriage. This patchwork of legal recognition created a complex and often confusing situation for same-sex couples, especially concerning federal benefits and interstate recognition of their marriages.

Supreme Court Decisions

The issue of same-sex marriage reached the Supreme Court of the United States on several occasions. The most notable cases include:

• United States v. Windsor (2013) - The Court struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined marriage for federal purposes as the union between one man and one woman. This decision allowed same-sex couples legally married in states that recognized such marriages to receive federal benefits.

• Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) - This landmark ruling held that the Fourteenth Amendment requires all states to grant same-sex marriages and recognize those marriages performed in other jurisdictions. This effectively legalized same-sex marriage across the entire United States.

Impact

The legalization of same-sex marriage has had a profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. It has provided legal recognition and protection for their relationships, access to benefits previously denied, and a sense of social validation. Moreover, it has contributed to the ongoing discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the United States.

Current Status

As of the last update, same-sex marriage is legal in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and all territories of the United States except for certain Native American tribal jurisdictions. The legal landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing challenges and debates around religious freedom, parental rights, and discrimination laws.

See Also

• LGBTQ+ rights in the United States
• Civil union
• Domestic partnership
• History of same-sex marriage