Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage is a legally recognized marriage between two men or two women. It is accepted in many parts of the world, but is an extremely controversial issue in the United States. Some states have legitimized it, but, in general, it is intensely resisted by social conservatives.

Defense of Marriage Act
At the Federal level, the Defense of Marriage Act, passed in 1996. Some Federal courts have overturned it on a district or circuit basis; it has not reached the Supreme Court of the United States. In some states where it was overturned, the state passed a constitutional amendment nullifying the court's interpretation.