Legal Definitions - Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage refers to a legally recognized union between two individuals of the same sex or gender identity.

In the United States, the right to same-sex marriage was established nationwide by the Supreme Court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. This landmark ruling affirmed that the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantee same-sex couples the right to marry, ensuring they receive the same legal rights, protections, and responsibilities as opposite-sex married couples.

• Example 1: After living together for many years, Javier and Miguel decided to formalize their relationship. They applied for a marriage license at their local county clerk's office and held a wedding ceremony, legally becoming spouses. This illustrates two men entering into a legally recognized same-sex marriage, granting them all the associated rights and responsibilities.

• Example 2:Dr. Anya Sharma and Ms. Lena Petrova, a married couple, sought to adopt a child. Because their same-sex marriage is legally recognized, they were able to jointly apply as parents and have both their names listed on the child's birth certificate, just as an opposite-sex married couple would. This demonstrates how same-sex marriage provides equal legal standing for parental rights and family formation.

• Example 3:Chris and Pat legally married in New York. When Chris later received a job offer in Florida, their marriage remained fully recognized in their new state. This allowed them to continue filing joint tax returns, sharing health insurance benefits, and making medical decisions for one another without any legal complications, showcasing the nationwide validity of same-sex marriage.