Legal marriage between same-sex couples is now recognized in several European nations as well as in the State of Massachusetts. In other states a more limited recognition of same-sex relationships is available and is called a "civil union". Many other states have passed constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages performed anywhere and some groups on the far right advocate for a Federal amendment to deny equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. | Legal marriage between same-sex couples is now recognized in several European nations as well as in the State of Massachusetts. In other states a more limited recognition of same-sex relationships is available and is called a "civil union". Many other states have passed constitutional amendments banning recognition of same-sex marriages performed anywhere and some groups on the far right advocate for a Federal amendment to deny equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. |