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Marriage Equality

Read the latest news about marriage equality victories and the continuing fight for gays and lesbians to have the right to marry around the world. See the most recent updates on this international, national, regional, and state-by-state issue, which has been hotly contested by conservatives and far-right religious organizations. Learn about the straight allies who have been advocating for same-sex marriage in the spheres of society, entertainment, and politics, as well as the various opponents of marriage equality who seek to impede the progress of the LGBT rights movement.

Virginia GOP’s gubernatorial ticket pairs anti-LGBTQ+ candidate with gay man whose rights she opposes
Politics

Virginia GOP’s gubernatorial ticket pairs anti-LGBTQ+ candidate with gay man whose rights she opposes

Winsome Earle-Sears has described homosexuality, like John Reid’s, as an “immoral lifestyle choice.”

Two young queer women getting married
News

A majority of LGBTQ+ singles want to get married, especially those who grew up with marriage equality

The research comes as some groups attempt to roll back marriage equality.

gay couple wedding on the beach
News

Gay weddings have boosted state and local economies by $6 billion since marriage equality

It's not just a legal right — marriage equality is simply good for the economy.

hands holding small globe wrapped in rainbow ribbon
News

45% of the world doesn't think their country is a good place for gay and lesbian people

Just 39 percent of people from over 120 countries said that their area was a good place for gay and lesbian people.

The Advocate's John Casey reflects on a decade of marriage equality in new book
Print Issue

The Advocate's John Casey reflects on a decade of marriage equality in new book

"LOVE isn’t just a collection of stories. It’s a testament. A reminder. A celebration. A rallying cry."

Marriage Equality USA poster during protest with gay couple posing in background 2011 San Francisco California
Politics

Marriage equality or same-sex marriage? Why the language matters

This is why The Advocate uses "marriage equality" over "same-sex marriage" or "gay marriage."

Pope Leo
News

Pope Leo says blessing same-sex weddings is 'not what the Church teaches'

Pope Leo said "the church’s teaching will continue as it is" in regards to marriage equality.

​Freddie Lutz and Johnny Cervantes in formal wedding attire standing under a rainbow umbrella
News

Meet the Virginia gay bar owner who married his partner in front of 100,000 strangers

Freddie Lutz and his longtime partner, Johnny Cervantes, got hitched during WorldPride…on a float.

Trump supporters in Pennsylvania in 2024
News

A powerful civil rights group is hitting the road and going to red states. Here's why

The Human Rights Campaign’s American Dreams Tour is bringing storytelling and organizing to communities targeted by a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

marriage equality celebrations 2015 california love wins washington dc scotus building
Politics

New congressional resolution would make June 26 'Equality Day' celebrating LGBTQ+ victories

A new resolution would designate June 26 as “Equality Day," marking the anniversary of three historic LGBTQ+ Supreme Court victories.

First Baptist Church downtown Dallas Texas
News

Southern Baptists seek to ban porn, women pastors, and marriage equality

The largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. will consider a measure this week in support of banning marriage equality.

Kentucky ​Rowan County Clerk of Courts Kim Davis smiles and waves after being released from Carter County Detention Center to crowd surrounded by locals with white crosses
Law

Kim Davis, who denied same-sex couples marriage licenses, will appeal case to Supreme Court

The Kentucky clerk who denied same-sex couples marriage licenses is trying to get the Supreme Court to overturn marriage equality.

Colorado governor Jared Polis signing SB25-014 entitled Protecting the Freedom to Marry into law
Politics

Out gay Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs law repealing marriage equality ban

The new law ensures that even if the Supreme Court reverses Obergefell, marriage equality will still be legal in Colorado.

New York City LGBTQIA pride parade Heritage of Pride March June 2025
News

These 19 states won't ban marriage equality if Obergefell is overturned

Here are the 19 states where same-sex couples could still get married if Obergefell is overturned.

American flag with rainbow stripes outside U.S. capitol
News

Marriage equality will be banned in these 31 states if Obergefell is overturned

Over 60 percent of the country will no longer have marriage equality if the U.S. Supreme Court reverses it.

Hillary Clinton Global Initiative summit in New York 2023
Politics

Hillary Clinton warns SCOTUS 'will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion'

"Anybody in a committed relationship out there in the LGBTQ community, you ought to consider getting married," Clinton said.

Ken Paxton with wife Angela
News

Texas AG Ken Paxton's wife files for divorce, citing God and ‘recent discoveries’

The Republican state senator says she can no longer honor God or herself by staying married to the embattled Texas attorney general known for crusading against LGBTQ+ rights.

Lesbian couple Robin Tyler and Diane Olson are joined in marriage the first legally recognized samesex marriage in Los Angeles County at the Beverly Hills courthouse June 16 2008 alongside book cover heroic stories of marriage equality
News

Reflecting on 10 years of marriage equality: Frankie Frankeny on the stories behind the movement

"These aren’t just love stories. They’re blueprints. They’re battle cries. They’re reminders that when we tell the truth about our lives, we change the world," photographer Frankie Frankeny tells The Advocate of her book LOVE: The Heroic Stories of Marriage Equality.

Two men in tuxedos getting married
News

The road to Obergefell: Looking back on a decade of marriage equality

Ten years ago, the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land. Here’s a look at what led up to that landmark decision.

same sex marriage wedding cake toppers rainbow fan background
News

Poll shows record divide in support for marriage equality

A new Gallup poll finds Democrat support is at a record level, while Republicans are bottoming out at the lowest numbers since the passage of Obergefell v. Hodges affirmed marriage equality.