On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts was the first state in the USA to legalize gay-marriage. However, it was not the first place in the world. Belgium, Canada, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, and South Africa are other countries around the world that allow it. Since the legalization of gay marriage in 2004 in MA, other states have followed the example. Currently, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, and Massachusetts are the only states with it legalized. Maine was supposed to have gay marriage legalized by September 11, 2009 but a people's veto had it postponed. A vote will be held in November. New Hampshire will have same sex marriages legalized as of January 1, 2010.
California formally had gay marriage legalized between June 16 until November 4, 2008 when Proposition 8 was put into practice. Proposition 8 says that marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal marriage allowed in the state of California. All other marriages are morally wrong/illegitimate. In 2010, there will be a vote to overturn this law. However, all marriages that were held between June 16 and November 4 are still recognizable. They are not void.
The State of New York and the District of Columbia recognize gay marriages, but do not have it legalized yet. So, this is to say, that if a person got married in Massachusetts, their marriage is still legitimate in these two areas, whereas it would not be legitimate in Nevada or a state without it legalized.
Homophobes claim that gay people are searching for 'special rights' by asking to get married.
Marriage should be a right given to all people. Whether it be a lifestyle choice or they way a person is born, they should not be denied the right to get married with whom they choose.
America has gotten far with acceptance, but not far enough. Crimes against gays and homophobia are still everywhere.
~ Benjamin Franklin
