The debate on gay marriages has been a very hot political potato for many years and because it is so hot a subject, the number of places that have come out publicly either for or against the topic is not so astounding. While there are few states which actually recognize gay or same-sex marriages, there are some that are more liberal, allowing almost equal rights. Massachusetts is currently the only state in the United States that recognizes same-sex marriages. The state of Rhode Island is generous enough to recognize as a legal marriage any same-sex marriage that was performed in Massachusetts, which is considered a major victory by many same-sex supporters.

Elections of latter years have seen this as a very hot topic and with the White House stating publicly that marriage must only involve a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very slow to sanction same-sex marriages. However, a few states have allowed same-sex civil unions, which are very similar to marriage.

Those states are, in alphabetical order: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, and Vermont. The District of Columbia also recognizes same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has stated openly that he will soon pass a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major advance for the supporters of the movement.

While many states have not given the go-ahead on the topic of same-sex marriage, there are states that are sitting around discussing the subject. Many couples who are fighting for their rights have pointed out that there is absolutely no difference in the way they run their households compared with their heterosexual counterparts. They have also pointed out that while they may be with a partner who is the same sex as them, they do still love their partner and ought to have the legal right to marry them too.

This has always been a contentious subject, and likely will continue to be a hot issue for many years to come. With the issues raging within the states and at the national level, it will more than likely be a very long time before the gay and lesbian rights groups are able to truly declare a victory for their cause. Nevertheless, there is some solace to be taken in the small victories as they occur, and another Governor of a state being ready to sanction a civil union is at least a move in the direction of victory.

However, the fact remains that the views of the individual states tend to reflect the views of the President. With a President in office who is a staunch opponent of same-sex marriage as well as civil union, it is unlikely to allow much room for many triumphs until a more accommodating, or rather liberal, President is in the White House. Time will tell what President Obama’s views are.

Once the bill has passed through all the legal channels of the state, it could go into effect as early as the next year, much to the joy of the New Hampshire residents, who have been waiting patiently. Each state that gives this right to its residents opens the door a little more to other states to become more tolerant. Finally, this paves the way for America to join most of Europe in recognizing the legal inequalities of straight and gay couples nationwide.

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