Gay Marriage
Updated June 12, 2008
In November 2003 the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ignited a nationwide debate over same-sex marriage when it declared the state's ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. The ensuing battle has included fights in Congress over a federal marriage amendment that would define marriage as the union of a man and a woman; a spate of same-sex wedding ceremonies (in some cases in violation of state laws); and the passage of numerous state constitutional amendments banning gay marriage. In May 2008 California became the first state to follow in Massachusetts’ footsteps when the California Supreme Court struck down a statewide ban on same-sex marriage. As the debate rages on, the American religious community remains deeply divided over the issue.
Special Report: The Same-Sex Marriage Debate
This report gives an overview of the gay marriage
debate in America, analyzes the constitutional dimensions of the debate and
looks at public opinion trends on gay marriage and civil unions.
 | Gay Marriage and the Law The constitutional dimensions of the same-sex marriage debate. |  |
A Stable Majority Americans continue to oppose gay marriage, but most support civil unions. |
 | Map: State Policies on Same-Sex Marriage Stateline.org map showing state laws on gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. |
 | Religious Groups' Official Positions on Gay Marriage A breakdown of 17 major religious groups' views on gay marriage and the ordination of gay clergy. |
 | Compare Candidates on Gay Marriage Religion & Politics '08 offers a comparison of each candidate's stance on gay marriage. |
 | Redefining Marriage Around the World The legal definition of marriage is in flux, particularly in the developed world. |
 | Same-Sex Marriage in California A panel of experts discusses the same-sex marriage case before the California Supreme Court. |
 | Two Perspectives on Gay Marriage Arguments for and against same-sex marriage from Jonathan Rauch and Rick Santorum. |
Photo Credits: Gay marriage ceremony: Martin Ruetschi/Keystone/Corbis; Justice statue: Phil O'Connor/Corbis; Religious symbols: Sébastien Désarmaux/Corbis
Pew Forum Resources on Gay Marriage
TranscriptsAn Argument For Same-Sex Marriage: An Interview with Jonathan Rauch An Argument Against Same-Sex Marriage: An Interview with Rick Santorum Same-Sex Marriage in California: Legal and Political Prospects The Ties That Divide: A Conversation on Gay Marriage with Andrew Sullivan and Gerard Bradley |
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PublicationsSpecial Report: The Same-Sex Marriage Debate The Constitutional Dimensions of the Same-Sex Marriage Debate A Stable Majority: Most Americans Still Oppose Same-Sex Marriage Religious Groups' Official Positions on Same-Sex Marriage |
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Religion News1913 gay wedding referendum OK'd "Gay-Adoption" Ban on Ark. Ballot California churches plan a big push against same-sex marriage Other ResourcesGeneral Information |
