Gay Marriage in What States is Legal (countries too!)

Gay marriage in what states is legal? That is the first question you need to ask yourself as a gay or lesbian couple that want to further deepen your love, dedication and bond with one another.

You want to vow to be there for better or worse, til death do you part and you want the world to know about it! (Ok maybe just family and friends, but you don't care if the world knows about it!)

Ultimately, you want to get MARRIED! Is it legal in your state? Your country? Let's find out.

Gay Marriage
in What States
are Legal in the U.S.?

Massachusetts

As of right now, Massachusetts is the ONLY state in the United States that allows gay marriage.

I think it's kind of cool that Massachusetts is the first and only state to allow gay marriage thus far in the United States since it has so many beautiful locations, especially the ever popular Provincetown and Martha's Vineyard. They'd make an awesome gay honeymoon destination, don't you think?

Here is how you can get your gay marriage in Massachusetts started.

"Gay marriage in what states in the U.S. is legal?" Let's say it all together now. Ready? Set? Go! MASSACHUSETTS!!!!

What States Allow
Civil Unions in the U.S.

California

One of the first states people think of when asked gay marriage in what states is legal? is usually California. That is because Cali is known as the "gay capital of the world," yet gay marriage is still not legal there. It's actually pretty unclear as there is pending litigation in regards to same-sex marriage.

California does however, have a Domestic Partnership Law. But remember, the next time someone asks you "Gay marriage in what states is legal in the U.S.?" You know to tell them gay marriage in California, the "gay capital of the world" is still not legal!

Connecticut

Connecticut offers their same-sex couples the ability to partake in Civil Unions. Plus, in Connecticut you do NOT have to be a resident in order to obtain a civil union license!

All the steps residents and non-residents of Connecticut need to take to "make it official" can be found here.

District of Columbia

The District of Columbia has been on the ball for a while in regards to same-sex relationships. They have approved Domestic Partners since 1992, but they didn't officially go into effect until 2002. In 2006 some more amendments were added. There is so much to the domestic partnership in D.C. now that you almost want to say D.C. has gay marriage if asked "gay marriage in what states is legal?"

Out-of-staters can also get a domestic partnership certificate from D.C. Remember to support the states that support same-sex commitments. Plan your awesome gay or lesbian honeymoon in the District of Columbia.

Here's how residents and non-residents of D.C. can get their domestic partnership certificate.

Hawaii

Aloha. Beautiful Hawaii....alot of people are misinformed when it comes to Hawaii and the legality of gay marriage. They think it's legal there. But in actuality, same-sex marriage is not legal in Hawaii, however they do have a form of Domestic Partnerships. It is called Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationships. So, once again remember, the next time someone asks you "Gay marriage in what states is legal in the U.S.?" You know NOT to include Hawaii!

Click here to find out how Hawaii residents and non-resident same-sex couples can register their Reciprocal Beneficiary Relationship.

Maine

Maine is another state that does not have gay marriage but it does in fact offer it's same-sex couples the ability to have a Domestic Partnership.

Here's how you can register your domestic patnership in Maine.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the newest states in the U.S. to allow civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.

If you're interested in a civil union in New Hampshire click here for the steps that you and your partner need to take to accomplish this exciting task!

New Jersey

October 25th, 2006, A ruling was made in the New Jersey Supreme Court. They have ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals in New Jersey. Now it's up to the lawmakers to decide if they want to call it a "marriage," a civil union or what have you. Lawmakers have 180 days to come up with something. We WILL keep you updated.

December 14th, 2006, New Jersey Senate and Assembly approved legislation that allows gay and lesbian couples to have civil unions. This bill gives gay and lesbian couples all of the same state rights as traditional married couples, but falls short of using the word "marriage."

Congrats to the Garden State for being yet another state in the United States to KNOW that love does not see gender.

Click below for more information on civil unions in New Jersey.

 If someone asks you "gay marriage in what states is legal?" now...you can say NEW JERSEY proudly! Of course let them know that they are referring to it as a "civil union" however.

Vermont

Vermont has been allowing civil unions between same-sex couples since 2000.

A great thing about a Vermont civil union is you do NOT have to be a resident of Vermont to get one there. This makes for the perfect opportunity to officially commit to your life-long partner and have a wonderful romantic honeymoon at a quaint bed and breakfast in Chester or an awesome skiing spot like Stowe!

Here's how you can get the process started in regards to your civil union in Vermont! By the way, Vermont civil unions are given all the same state rights as a spouse in a marriage in Vermont, so when someone asks "gay marriage in what states in the U.S. are legal?" It almost seems like you should mention Vermont! By all means refer to it as a Vermont Gay Marriage, but please know that "marriage" is not the legal term there....a civil union is!

Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island itself does not allow civil unions or gay marriage, however a recent court ruling states that same-sex couples of Rhode Island can marry in Massachusetts.

Here is how you can get your gay marriage in Rhoad Island (Massachusetts) started and find out all of the necessary steps.

What Some Other
States are Doing?

Salt Lake City, Utah

Utah, as a state, considers marriage a union between a man and woman only and approved a state constitutional amendment stating such.

However, in Salt Lake City, Utat they have available now what is called a Mutual Commitment Registry. This is nothing like a same-sex marriage or civil union or domestic partnership, but it is at least something.

Find out what the Mutual Commitment Registry is all about and how to get registered today with your partner.

What Other Countries
Allow Gay Marriage?

So, you don't live in the United States, huh? Well you just may be in luck than. As a U.S. citizen, it's sad for me to see that we're far behind with giving human rights to our citizens but other countries are very in tune with giving human rights in regards to same-sex partners. I think it's downright pitiful that we even have to ask "gay marriage in what states is legal" here in the U.S. So, kudos to the following countries below for knowing that "2 Adults in Love" is just that......2 adults in love.

The Netherlands

Same-sex couples in the Netherlands have been allowed to participate in marriage ceremonies since 2001. The Netherlands were actually the 1st country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Belgium

Right behind the Netherlands was Belgium. They became the 2nd country in the world to legalize gay marriage in 2003.

Spain

Hola! (yes, that's about the extent of my spanish.) Spain has been offering civil unions since the early 1990's, BUT in 2005 same-sex marriage was finally legalized in Spain.

Canada

Same-sex marriage was officially legaized across Canada in 2005. Prior to it becoming legalized across the entire Canadian country, there were Provinces within Canada that had legalized gay marriage since as early as 2003.

South Africa

South Africa actually doesn't allow same-sex marriage yet, but the Constitutional Court did rule unanimously in December of 2005 to legalize gay marriage. South Africa has 1 year to enact legislation legalizing same-sex marriage or the courts decision will just go into effect.

What Other Countries
Allow Civil Unions?

There are so many places Nationwide that offer civil unions or registered partnerships that we will just list them all here with the year that the law went into effect.

Denmark (1989)

Norway (1993)

Israel (1994) Common-law marriages; same-sex couples included.

Sweden (1995)

Greenland (1996)

Hungary (1996)

Iceland (1996)

France (1999)

Portugal (2001)

Germany (2001)

Finland (2002)

Croatia (2003)

Luxembourg (2004)

Andorra (2005)

New Zealand (2005)

United Kingdom (2005)

Czech Republic (2006)

Slovenia (2006)

Only certain areas recognize same-sex unions within these countries below:

In Argentina-

Buenos Aires and Rio Negro (2003)

In Australia-

Tasmania (2004)

Australian Capital Territory (2006)

Victoria (gives same-sex couples some rights)

Western Australia (gives same-sex couples some rights)

In Brazil-

Rio Grande do Sul (2004)

In Italy-

Tuscany (2004)

Umbria (2004)

Emilia Romagna (2004)

Campania (2004)

Marche (2004)

Veneto (2005)

Puglia (2005)

Lazio (2005)

Liguria (2006)

Abruzzo (2006)



Ok so there you have it. You found out about gay marriage in what states is legal, what states allow civil unions in the United States and you also found out what countries allow gay marriage and civil unions.

When you are planning your honeymoon, don't forget to ask yourself: "gay marriage in what states is legal?" or "what states or countries allow civil unions?" Sure, your union may not be recognized out of state, but still let's remember to:

Support all of the states and countries that give human rights to
ALL HUMANS regardless of sexual orientation!

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