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

Elections of recent years have seen this as a very hot topic and with the White House stressing publicly that marriage must only be between a man and a woman, not same-sexes, many states have been very slow to allow same-sex marriages. However, a few states have sanctioned 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 allows same-sex unions and the Governor of New Hampshire has promised openly that he will soon sign a bill permitting same-sex unions. This is a major victory for the supporters of the movement.

Although many states have not allowedf same-sex marriage, there are states that are sitting on the fence discussing the issue. Many couples who are struggling for their rights have argued 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 issue, 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 probably 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 willing to allow a civil union is at least a move in the direction of victory.

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

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

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