Gay marriage is now legal in all US states: Timeline
In its first ruling on gay marriage, the Supreme Court dismisses a case by two gay men
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The legalization of same-sex marriage across the United States in a landmark ruling Friday comes more than 40 years after the Supreme Court rejected a gay couple s request for a marriage license.
Here is the timeline of gay rights movement in the United States.
1971: In its first ruling on gay marriage, the Supreme Court dismisses a case by two gay men who were denied a marriage license in Minnesota because it wasn t a "substantial federal question."
1973: Maryland becomes the first state to pass a law specifically banning gay marriage. It declared that "only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid in this state."
1987: Some 2,000 gay couples get married on the National Mall in the heart of Washington, D.C.
1993: Hawaii s top court rules that denying a marriage certificate to gay couples violates the state s equal protection clause. But the court does not legalize gay marriage.
1996: President Bill Clinton signs the Defense of Marriage Act into law. The legislation denies federal benefits to same-sex couples.
1998: Voters in Hawaii approve a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.
1999: California becomes the first state to pass a "domestic partners" statute which grants some recognition and legal rights to gay couples.
2004: Massachusetts becomes the first US state to legalize gay marriage.
2009: Vermont becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage through a vote by elected officials, rather than through the courts.
2012: Maine, Maryland and Washington become the first states to legalize gay marriage through a referendum.
2013: The Supreme Court overturns the Defense of Marriage Act, thus granting federal benefits to gay couples. And it legalizes gay marriage in California, a decision which prompts many states to follow suit.
2015: Florida and Alabama become the 36th and 37th states to legalize gay marriage, although Alabama s top court orders county clerks to stop issuing marriage certificates to gay couples.
June 26, 2015: In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court rules that the Constitution requires all 50 states to carry out and recognize marriage between people of the same sex.
