When was gay marriage legalized in massachusetts

Though opponents of same-sex marriage did not cease their efforts to turn back the clock on the ruling for several years afterward, they were ultimately defeated thanks to the efforts of activists and legislators. According to the Registry of Vital Records and Statistics, over 32, same-sex marriages have taken place in Massachusetts since the ruling, with over 6, occurring in just the first year.

Bonauto went on to argue for same-sex couples in the Kerrigan v. Commissioner of Public Health case which legalized same-sex marriage in Connecticut, and ultimately in the Obergefell v. Hodges case which made it legal nationwide.

In , Connecticut became the second state to achieve marriage equality, followed by Vermont and Iowa the next year, then New Hampshire, New York, Maine and Washington, until a cascade of states legalized same-sex marriage every year until when it became legal federally. The bold and unprecedented decision by the SJC is considered by many to have been essential in emboldening the fight for marriage equality and influencing other states, and ultimately the country, to follow suit.

The decision has also proved beneficial to many. Kleinedler said that being legally married greatly helped him when his husband passed away by aiding him in legal matters such as next-of-kin laws, settling estates and dealing with funeral homes. I feel like I'm part of society in a way that I felt like I wasn't. But I'm not any different. Skip to content. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. At the time, marriage equality was a new issue. Local In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.

Before gay marriage became legal nationally, many businesses stepped up to ensure protections for the LGBT community. The U. Supreme Court passes gay marriage on June 26, ! Across the nation, Americans rejoiced in the court's decision. In Massachusetts, local politicians took to social media to show their support. When Massachusetts had same sex marriage…. Hillary, left, and Julie Goodridge, lead plaintiffs in the landmark Massachusetts gay marriage lawsuit receive their wedding rings from their daughter, Annie, 8, as Unitarian Rev.

William Sinkford presides over their marriage ceremony in Boston during the first day of state-sanctioned gay marriage in the United States Monday, May 17, By Halina Loft. Hodges, which 12 years later guaranteed same-sex couples the right to marry nationwide. Compton and Wilson, who live in Provincetown, Massachusetts, were eager to enlist in the fight for marriage equality.

The men had both previously been married to women for over 20 years, and had five children between them. They came out late, and were excited to get a new start on life. When they met in at a convention for gay fathers in Boston, there was an instant connection. They went on their first date — a dinner and a movie — and were soon in love. A year later, they purchased a home together.

At the time, it hardly felt like a choice to the couple. Compton had endured several hospitalizations for kidney stones and other ailments. Yet each time, Wilson was kept from his bedside because they were not legally wed. After the ruling, same-sex couples in Massachusetts could finally marry. Julie and Hillary Goodridge, the main plaintiffs in the historic case, amicably divorced in But most of the couples who were plaintiffs remain married to this day.