Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on
sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.

Our Work New England Marriage Campaign

New England Marriage Campaign

6x12: Working for Marriage Equality in all Six New England States by 2012.

New England Marriage Campaign

GLAD Cases Figure in National Law Journal’s “10 Key Moments” in Marriage Equality

New York Times: A Push is On for Same-Sex Marriage Rights in New England

New England is on the forefront of the marriage equality movement. 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. Although initially an old 1913 law was used to prevent most non-Massachusetts same-sex couples from marrying, on July 31, 2008, this law was repealed. Now any same-sex couple who meets the marriage requirements can be legally married in Massachusetts. And, on October 10, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled in GLAD’s case Kerrigan & Mock v. Department of Public Health that same-sex couples are entitled to nothing less than full and equal marriage.

Building on that momentum, GLAD is partnering with MassEquality – our ally who worked successfully to protect the victory won in Goodridge – along with other state-based organizations to secure marriage equality for all couples across New England by 2012.

Using a strategic combination of litigation, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and public education, the New England Marriage Campaign is working to ensure that all New England couples and families have the rights, respect, and equality they deserve.

The Current State of Relationship Recognition Across New England

Massachusetts

Same-sex couples have full marriage equality in Massachusetts, and same-sex couples from anywhere can legally marry in Massachusetts provided they meet the marriage requirements. Learn More ›

Connecticut

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 full marriage in the state. Learn More ›

Our partner in Connecticut is ctEQUALITY.

Maine

A marriage equality bill was signed into law in Maine in May, but was overturned in a voter referendum on November 3, 2009. Meanwhile, domestic partnerships provide a few of the benefits accorded to married couples. Learn More ›

Our partner in Maine is Equality Maine.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Governor Lynch signed marriage equality into law on June 3, 2009. Same-sex couples began marrying January 1, 2010. Learn More ›

Rhode Island

Same-sex couples cannot marry in Rhode Island. Learn More ›

Our partner in Rhode Island is Marriage Equality Rhode Island

Vermont

Same-sex couples began marrying in Vermont in September 2009, thanks to a legislative marriage equality victory this spring. Learn More ›

Our partner in Vermont is Vermont Freedom to Marry.

Related Cases

Kerrigan & Mock v. Connecticut Dept. of Public Health

Victory • October 10, 2008

On Friday, October 10, 2008, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that gay… Read More

Goodridge et al. v. Dept. Public Health

Victory • November 18, 2003

In a historic opinion on November 18, 2003, GLAD won a ruling… Read More

Cote-Whitacre et al. v. Dept. Public Health

Victory • March 30, 2006

On March 30, 2006, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court determined in the… Read More

Baker et al. v. State of Vermont

Victory • December 31, 1999

GLAD won a ruling from the Vermont Supreme Court that recognized the… Read More

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The more people know their LGBT and HIV+ family, friends, and neighbors, the more likely they are to support our rights and help us work toward full equality. Read More