Law Library Articles
Top 10 Gay Marriage Articles in the LegalMatch Law Library
Gay marriage has come a long way since Massachusetts became the first state to recognize same sex marriage back in 2004. As of 2013, a total of 13 states recognize gay marriage. The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits, was also ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in early 2013.
Given that gay marriage is a heavily contested issue, our articles are constantly being changed and updated. Lawyers have the power to advocate for changes to the law and it is this power that has driven the discussion on gay marriage since the new millennium began.
LegalMatch presents its Top 10 articles on Gay Marriage.
1. FAQ: Same-Sex Couples’ Legal Rights
This article covers the main rights same-sex married couples now have under U.S. law. It explains topics like property division, taxes, and adoption. You’ll also learn how Obergefell v. Hodges changed the rules for everyone.
2. Transgender Marriage Laws
Transgender people have faced extra challenges around marriage, like whether states see them as their real gender. This article explores how the laws shifted after same-sex marriage was legalized. It also shows ways to protect yourself, such as updating name and gender paperwork.
3. Homosexuality as Grounds for Divorce
Courts used to see homosexual activity as a reason to end a marriage. This article looks at how old rules are changing in our modern world. It also shows what truly matters in divorce today, like property division and custody, not a spouse’s sexual orientation.
4. Same-Sex Marriage History
Ever wonder how same-sex marriage became legal in America? This piece walks you through the early bans, the fight over DOMA, and the final ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. It also compares what other countries have done over the years.
5. LGBT Rights in Washington State
Washington was one of the first places to protect gay couples’ rights. Find out why the state made domestic partnerships legal early on and how laws keep changing for things like adoption and housing. You’ll also see how hate-crime rules protect LGBT people here.
6. LGBT Rights in California
California led the way in same-sex marriage, but Proposition 8 almost stopped it. This article explains how the courts overturned that ban and how the state now protects LGBT citizens. You’ll also learn about recent bills to help transgender people and reduce discrimination.
7. Same-Sex Legal Unions in Colorado
Colorado offers civil unions that give partners many rights, like adoption and property benefits. But after same-sex marriage became legal, some wonder whether civil unions matter now. This article explains how civil unions, beneficiary agreements, and full marriages compare.
8. Same-Sex Legal Unions in New Mexico
New Mexico at first didn’t ban or allow gay marriage outright, but courts finally stepped in. This overview shows how the state recognized same-sex marriage in 2013. It also covers changes for couples living on tribal lands and laws that have improved LGBT lives statewide.
9. Gay Marriage and Domestic Partnerships
Before same-sex marriage was legal, some states offered domestic partnerships or civil unions. Learn how these compare to traditional marriages, especially for rights like hospital visits or inheritance. The article also looks at how some states replaced these partnerships with marriage laws.
10. Same-Sex Marriage in California
California helped shape the national debate on gay marriage thanks to its battles over Proposition 8. This article explains that bumpy history—first legalizing same-sex marriage, then banning it, and finally securing it after a Supreme Court decision. It also shares the state’s current rules and where couples stand today.
