Marriage
GLAD’s historic 2003 victory in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health made Massachusetts the first state in the country to grant same-sex couples the rights and respect of full marriage equality. On October 10, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in GLAD’s case Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of Public Health that same-sex couples have the right to marry. Learn more about this case.
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine all passed marriage equality legislation in 2009. Same-sex couples began marrying in Vermont on September 1, and will beginning marrying in New Hampshire in January, 2010. Unfortunately, the Maine legislation was overturned in a voter referendum on November 3, 2009. Along with our partners in the New England Marriage Campaign, we are working to ensure that all New England couples and families have the rights, respect, and equality they deserve.
In Your State
Specific laws can vary greatly from state to state. For more information, please visit a state page:
GLAD’s Work On This Issue
New England is on the forefront of the marriage equality movement.
From the Docket
Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Dept. of Public Health
On Friday, October 10, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples are entitled to full marriage equality.
On August 25,… More →
Legislative Advocacy
The Way Life Should Be: Marriage Equality in Maine
Update, July 31, 2009: Anti-equality organizers have filed signatures with the Secretary of State.
Read a statement from No on 1/Protect Equality.… More →
Related News
Advocates Announce Ballot Campaign For Marriage
Photo: boxes of signed petitions supporting the marriage ballot initiative
Augusta – Today, advocates for allowing same-sex couples to legally marry… More →