In which state is lgbtq marriage legal

Marriage & Partnership Recognition Laws

States with the release to marry carry out not ban lgbtq+ couples from entering into legal marriages. Some states also offer comprehensive connection recognition, such as domestic partnerships or civil unions, to same- and different-sex couples. However, most states still possess constitutional amendments, statutes, or both banning marriage for lgbtq+ couples, even after the 2015 Supreme Court case Obergefell extended marriage equality nationwide. For more on the current status of articulate marriage laws, view MAP's 2022 report: Underneath Obergefell: A National Patchwork of Marriage Laws.

  • Marriage equality for same-sex couples(50 states , 5 territories + D.C.)

  • Comprehensive civil union or home partnership law (9 states + D.C.)

  • State has targeted religious exemption law (see note)


Citations & More Information

Recommended citation:
Movement Advancement Project. "Equality Maps: Marriage & Relationship Recognition Laws."https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/marriage_relationship_laws. Accessed 08/01/2025.

NOTE: Kansas permits faith-based organ

Marriage Equality Around the World

The Human Rights Campaign tracks developments in the legal recognition of same-sex marriage around the world. Working through a worldwide network of HRC global alumni and partners, we lift up the voices of community, national and regional advocates and share tools, resources, and lessons learned to strengthen movements for marriage equality.

Current State of Marriage Equality

There are currently 38 countries where same-sex marriage is legal: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Uruguay. 

These countries have legalized marriage equality through both legislation and court decisions. 

Countries that Legalized Marriage Equality in 2025

Liechtenstein: On May 16, 2024, Liechtenstein's government passed a bill in favor of marriage equality. The law went into effect January 1, 2025.

Date Same Sex Marriage Legalized By State

All 50 states in the United States have legalized homosexual marriage. Below are the dates when each state did so. On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court commanded that same-sex marriage is a right guaranteed by the Constitution, thus making same-sex marriage legal in the 13 states that possess not legalized queer marriage up to that point.

By Date
Rank
State Name
Date Same Sex Marriage Legalized
1
MassachusettsMay 17, 2004
2
ConnecticutNovember 12, 2008
3
IowaApril 24, 2009
4
VermontSeptember 1, 2009
5
New HampshireJanuary 1, 2010
6
New YorkJuly 24, 2011
7
WashingtonDecember 9, 2012
8
MaineDecember 29, 2012
9
MarylandJanuary 1, 2013
10
CaliforniaJune 28, 2013
11
DelawareJuly 1, 2013
12-T
MinnesotaAugust 1, 2013
12-T
Rhode IslandAugust 1, 2013
14
New JerseyOctober 21, 2013
15
HawaiiDecember 2, 2013
16
New MexicoDecember 19, 2013
17
OregonMay 19, 2014
18
PennsylvaniaMay 20, 2014
19
IllinoisJune 1, 2014
20-T
IndianaOctober 6, 2014
20-T
OklahomaOctober 6, 2014

Same-sex marriage represents a critical milestone in the Homosexual rights movement, allowing couples of the same sex to legally marry and receive the same marital benefits as heterosexual couples. The journey towards legalization has been varied across the globe, influenced by cultural, religious, and political factors. In some regions, the push for marriage equality has gained significant traction and achieved legal recognition, often after prolonged public and legal battles.

While full marriage equality is celebrated in many places, an alternative approach through civil unions or local partnerships persists in others. These frameworks typically grant a subset of rights that marriage offers, focusing on aspects like property rights or hospital visitation. However, they often drop short in areas such as inheritance, pension rights, and parental responsibilities, stressing a gap in the legal recognition of relationships.

The acceptance and implementation of same-sex marriage have brought substantial legal benefits, including inheritance rights, tax reductions, and enhanced health insurance options, which are decisive for the security and well-being of families. This progr

The Journey to Marriage Equality in the Merged States

The road to nationwide marriage equality was a long one, spanning decades of United States history and culminating in victory in June 2015. Throughout the long brawl for marriage equality, HRC was at the forefront.

Volunteer with HRC

From gathering supporters in small towns across the country to rallying in front of the Supreme Court of the United States, we gave our all to confirm every person, regardless of whom they love, is recognized equally under the law.

A Growing Call for Equality

Efforts to legalize gay marriage began to pop up across the nation in the 1990s, and with it challenges on the state and national levels. Civil unions for same-sex couples existed in many states but created a separate but same standard. At the federal level, couples were denied access to more than 1,100 federal rights and responsibilities associated with the institution, as well as those denied by their given state. The Defense of Marriage Act was signed into law in 1996 and defined marriage by the federal government as between a male and woman, thereby allowing states to deny marriage equality.

New Century &

in which state is lgbtq marriage legal

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