Changes

In 1996 Congress recognized the likelihood that same-sex marriage would soon become legal in at least some states, and was concerned that the Constitution might be interpreted as forcing states that did not allow it to recognize marriages performed in states that did allow it. It passed the Defense of Marriage act, which prevents this possibility, and also prevents the Federal Government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

In 1996 Congress recognized the likelihood that same-sex marriage would soon become legal in at least some states, and was concerned that the Constitution might be interpreted as forcing states that did not allow it to recognize marriages performed in states that did allow it. It passed the Defense of Marriage act, which prevents this possibility, and also prevents the Federal Government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

In 1999 a Vermont court ruled that under Vermont's constitution, it was not required to allow same-sex marriage but was required to make provisions to grant same-sex couples legal rights identical to those provided by marriage. Vermont responded by creating "civil unions," which are legally distinct from "marriages" but convey the same rights. As of 2007, Connecticut and New Jersey also provide civil unions. In 2003 the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that under Massachusetts' constitution, same-sex couples could not be denied Massachusetts marriage licenses.<ref>Because of an established Massachusetts law, Massachusetts same-sex marriages are all-but-limited to Massachusetts residents. The law says that an out-of-state couple cannot be married if their marriage would be illegal in their home state.</ref>

In 1999 a Vermont court ruled that under Vermont's constitution, it was not required to allow same-sex marriage but was required to make provisions to grant same-sex couples legal rights identical to those provided by marriage. Vermont responded by creating "civil unions," which are legally distinct from "marriages" but convey the same rights. As of 2007, Connecticut and New Jersey also provide civil unions. In 2003 the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that under Massachusetts' constitution, same-sex couples could not be denied Massachusetts marriage licenses, making Massachusetts the sole state to allow opposite-sex marriage.<ref>Because of an established Massachusetts law, Massachusetts same-sex marriages are all-but-limited to Massachusetts residents. The law says that an out-of-state couple cannot be married if their marriage would be illegal in their home state.</ref>

The religious ceremony of marriage is governed by each denomination and is unaffected by laws passed by civil authority. Same-sex marriage is forbidden in Orthodox Judaism, Catholicism, and most mainstream Protestant denominations. Thus, a same-sex couple cannot receive the Catholic sacrament of matrimony in Massachusetts or anywhere else.  

The religious ceremony of marriage is governed by each denomination and is unaffected by laws passed by civil authority. Same-sex marriage is forbidden in Orthodox Judaism, Catholicism, and most mainstream Protestant denominations. Thus, a same-sex couple cannot receive the Catholic sacrament of matrimony in Massachusetts or anywhere else.