History of the legalization of same-sex marriage in America

[pbrower2a]

It's been a month, and it's been slow.

Alabama. Surprise, surprise! (Just think of that in the voice of Jim Nabors, a native of Alabama, as "Gomer Pyle")  Judge Roy Moore rules against an appellate ruling and gets smacked down.  

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015

Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court

Barring the complete legalization of SSM in all states in which it is still banned, most likely through a Supreme Court decision applicable to all states, I will not update this map until the end of the month. There's another thread for legalization of same-sex marriage, and in it one can post in far more detail -- more than is welcome here.

I will apply another color to any state whose SSM ban ends because of a general ruling.

(This post will be updated in the event of other court rulings establishing the legality of SSM in February).

[Mr. Illini]

Illinois legalized gay marriage as a result of legislation passed and signed by the Governor, not a state court decision.

[pbrower2a]

Illinois legalized gay marriage as a result of legislation passed and signed by the Governor, not a state court decision.

Correction made.   

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015

Method of legalization of SSM: 

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court

Barring the complete legalization of SSM in all states in which it is still banned, most likely through a Supreme Court decision applicable to all states, I will not update this map until the end of the month. There's another thread for legalization of same-sex marriage, and in it one can post in far more detail -- more than is welcome here.

I will apply another color to any state whose SSM ban ends because of a general ruling.

[pbrower2a]

Nebraska could easily be next.

[pbrower2a]

I figured that the Mormons would adjust quickly to gay rights.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/12/utah-anti-discrimination-bill_n_6854624.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices&ir=Gay%20Voices

Although any public official can refuse to issue a license for a same-sex marriage (but only on religious reasons), that official must designate someone willing to authorize the marriage.

[pbrower2a]

Obergfell v. Hodges.   KY, MI, OH, TN mentioned directly.

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015
Obergfell v. Hedges, 26 June 2015

Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court
Obergfell v. Hodges -- specific mention of states

Barring the complete legalization of SSM in all states in which it is still banned, most likely through a Supreme Court decision applicable to all states, I will not update this map until the end of the month. There's another thread for legalization of same-sex marriage, and in it one can post in far more detail -- more than is welcome here.

I will apply another color to any state whose SSM ban ends because of a general ruling.

Done in dark green.

[pbrower2a]

Georgia concedes.

Georgia’s Council of Probate Judges is prepared. Judge Chase Daughtrey, the group’s president, sends word:

    “The Council of Probate Court Judges is reviewing the 100 plus page opinion regarding same sex marriage and we are in consultation with the Attorney General’s office. A revised marriage license application form will be sent electronically to probate judges statewide via our list serve once the review is complete and we find the opinion immediately legalizes same sex marriage in Georgia.”

http://politics.blog.ajc.com/2015/06/26/georgia-democrats-celebrate-same-sex-marriage-ruling/

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015
Obergfell v. Hedges, 26 June 2015 or interpretation that the ruling applies to the state
Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court
Obergfell v. Hodges -- specific mention of states or interpretation by the state that the ruling applies to it.

Barring the complete legalization of SSM in all states in which it is still banned, most likely through a Supreme Court decision applicable to all states, I will not update this map until the end of the month. There's another thread for legalization of same-sex marriage, and in it one can post in far more detail -- more than is welcome here.

[pbrower2a]

Nebraska, too.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Attorney General Doug Peterson said Friday that the State of Nebraska would follow the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling.

In a statement, Ricketts said: “The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken and ruled state same-sex marriage bans to be unconstitutional. While 70 percent of Nebraskans approved our amendment to our state constitution that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman, the highest court in the land has ruled states cannot place limits on marriage between same-sex couples. We will follow the law and respect the ruling outlined by the court.”

http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/douglas-lancaster-counties-begin-issuing-same-sex-marriage-licenses/article_74f43388-1ab6-11e5-987c

Marriage licenses for Douglas (largely Omaha) and Lancaster (capital seat, Lincoln).

South Dakota:

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A U.S. Supreme Court opinion that declared same-sex marriage legal nationwide is effective in South Dakota immediately and it's up to each county in the state to begin issuing marriage licenses, the state attorney general said Friday.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said counties can begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples as soon as they are able, but acknowledged issues like the size of a county and the number applications could delay the process.

"We are saying it's effective immediately but with that recognition that we will work with local jurisdictions to provide a reasonable period of time to implement a fairly significant rule and change in law," Jackley said.

http://siouxcityjournal.com/ap/state/jackley-up-to-counties-to-issue-gay-marriage-licenses/article_2aa994ca-28cc-57cc-85d7-8359e9a17ec9.html  

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015
Obergfell v. Hedges, 26 June 2015 or interpretation that the ruling applies to the state
Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court
Obergfell v. Hodges -- specific mention of states or interpretation by the state that the ruling applies to it.

Barring the complete legalization of SSM in all states in which it is still banned, most likely through a Supreme Court decision applicable to all states, I will not update this map until the end of the month. There's another thread for legalization of same-sex marriage, and in it one can post in far more detail -- more than is welcome here.

[pbrower2a]

Nothing definitive on North Dakota. The Governor and Attorney General of Louisiana officially resist SSM.

Arkansas?

It's happening. Two women or two men can exchange diamond wedding rings in the Diamond State.

The first couple to receive a same-sex wedding license after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay unions was married Friday by the same judge who struck down the ban in Arkansas last year.

Earnie Matheson, 65, and Tony Chiaro, 73, showed up at the Pulaski County Courthouse about an hour after the U.S. Supreme Court released its decision. They applied for and were granted a license at the clerk's office while reporters hovered around them and then embarked back into the rotunda to find someone to conduct the ceremony and wed them.

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2015/jun/26/pulaski-county-clerk-will-review-marriage-opinion-/

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015
Obergfell v. Hedges, 26 June 2015 or interpretation that the ruling applies to the state
Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court
Obergfell v. Hodges -- specific mention of states or interpretation by the state that the ruling applies to it.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Wait, it's still illegal in those remaining states?

[Tender Branson]

Texasippiana politicians are giving the ÖVP a run for the money for who is more ignorant and on the brakes.

[pbrower2a]

Wait, it's still illegal in those remaining states?

In Mississippi the AG insists upon a clarification on whether the law applies to Mississippi (5th Circuit Court) as it does in the Sixth.

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http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/mississippi_no_gay_marriage.html#incart_related_stories

Same effect, for the time, as outright resistance.

Nothing definitive about North Dakota or Texas... resistance in Louisiana... questions remaining in Mississippi.

[pbrower2a]

Nothing definitive on North Dakota.

 

You must be logged in to read this quote.

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/north-dakota-gay-marriage-ban-void-following-supreme-court-ruling/article_8edc37fb-c693-5105-831c-7a37e4167dc1.html

States with full legalization of SSM as of 1 May, 2014 (white)
States getting full legalization of SSM in October 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in November 2014
States getting full legalization of SSM in January 2015
States getting full legalization of SSM in February 2015
Obergfell v. Hedges, 26 June 2015 or interpretation that the ruling applies to the state
Method of legalization of SSM:  

Method of legalization of SSM

resulting from a state court decision invalidating an SSM ban
resulting from state legislation
resulting from the decision of the DC Council
resulting from a statewide initiative or referendum
resulting from a decision by the US Supreme Court
resulting from a decision by a federal court subsidiary to the US Supreme Court
Obergfell v. Hodges -- specific mention of states or interpretation by the state that the ruling applies to it.

[Enderman]

So it's now Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Money's on Missisippi, but considering ALABAMA is legal, anything can happen.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Don't forget how it was temporary legal in CA and Maine, then illegal, then legal again.

The October 2014 ones should be included by order they accepted it. I'm sure that can be found in the polls thread if you dig back that far.

Don't forget how it was temporary legal in CA and Maine, then illegal, then legal again.

The October 2014 ones should be included by order they accepted it. I'm sure that can be found in the polls thread if you dig back that far.
EDIT: I did.

In order of permanent legalization:

1-Massachusetts
2-Connecticut
3-Iowa
4-Vermont
5-New Hampshire
*-Washington DC
6-New York
7-Washington
8-Maine
9-Maryland
10-California
11-Delaware
12-Minnesota and Rhode Island
14-New Jersey
15-Hawaii
16-New Mexico
17-Illinois
18-Oregon
19-Pennsylvannia
20-Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin
25-Colorado
26-Nevada
27-West Virginia
28-Idaho
29-North Carolina
30-Alaska
31-Arizona
32-Wyoming
33-Missouri
34-Kansaas
35-Montana
36-South Carolina
37-Florida
38-Alabama
39-Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee
43-Georgia
44-Nebraska
45-South Dakota
46-Arkansas
47-North Dakota

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

As for the three states that previously had partial SSM legalization:

Alabama/Missouri: The governor has asked county clerks to comply with the ruling and says the state government will abide by it, but some counties are refusing to comply.

Kansas: The governor has criticized the ruling and says the state is 'reviewing it'. Per wikipedia, the status of KS SSM currently remains the same as before the SCOTUS decision: Most counties issue licenses, but the state does not recognize their validity.


 Sources:
http://actioncenter.promoonline.org/missouri-marriage-licenses/

http://m.chron.com/news/article/Groups-urges-Alabama-to-begin-letting-gay-couples-6351501.php

http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/local-officials-react-to-supreme-courts-same-sex-marriage

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2015/06/alabama_gov_bentley_urges_calm.html

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

I just heard from my parents that 3 counties in Texas are giving marriage licenses. Paint it white.

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

I just heard from my parents that 3 counties in Texas are giving marriage licenses. Paint it white.

Find an actual article. Your parents are not considered to be a credible source here.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

I just heard from my parents that 3 counties in Texas are giving marriage licenses. Paint it white.

Find an actual article. Your parents are not considered to be a credible source here.

They saw it on the news.

[pbrower2a]

I just heard from my parents that 3 counties in Texas are giving marriage licenses. Paint it white.

Find an actual article. Your parents are not considered to be a credible source here.

Even if the three counties are Bexar, Dallas, and Harris Counties that leaves huge tracts of Texas 'free' of same-sex marriage. 

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

I just heard from my parents that 3 counties in Texas are giving marriage licenses. Paint it white.

Find an actual article. Your parents are not considered to be a credible source here.

Even if the three counties are Bexar, Dallas, and Harris Counties that leaves huge tracts of Texas 'free' of same-sex marriage. 

They are Dallas, Tarrent, and Johnson.

[pbrower2a]

Three contiguous counties.

[Attorney General, LGC Speaker, and Former PPT Dwarven Dragon]

The General idea behind the Texas SSM stuff across the Internet is this:

- The governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General have all implied that there is no obligation to uphold the SCOTUS ruling in Texas, but they have not outright  demanded that county clerks ignore the ruling.

- Some counties are issuing licenses, others are not.

- Due to TX's mandatory 72 hour waiting period between receiving a license and actually getting married, it is unclear if the state will recognize the validity of the licenses that are issued.

[CountryClassSF]

I guess the 72 hour waiting period is better than the Vegas 72-second waiting period.  Allows people to sober up first lol

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Any news regarding the other states?