Half of Americans Live With Gay Recognition Laws

Nearly half of all Americans live in a state or municipality that recognizes same-sex couples' relationships.

Approximately 140 million Americans live in the 15 states and Washington, D.C., as well as the dozens of cities and counties that recognize couples through marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, according to Box Turtle Bulletin.

Writer Timothy Kincaid said the antigay National Organization for Marriage "can proclaim 'victory' when they have an election in California or Maine, but this ball is rolling and the momentum is in the direction of recognition."