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'''Same-sex marriage''' is a legal marriage (i.e. one typically formalized by filing papers at a government office) in which the two people being married are of the same sex. It gives these couples the same legal rights and status as couples composed of members of the opposite sexes.  

'''Same-sex marriage''' is a legal marriage (i.e. one typically formalized by filing papers at a government office) in which the two people being married are of the same sex. It gives these couples the same legal rights and status as married opposite-sex couples.  

Unheard of a few decades ago, same-sex marriage is one of a number of issues involving gay rights and the "culture wars." Traditionally, in the United States, marriage has been considered to be one of the areas governed by each state rather than by the Federal Government, and marriage laws are a patchwork whose details are different in each state. The possibility of same-sex marriage in each state depends on that state's constitution.

Unheard of a few decades ago, same-sex marriage is one of a number of issues involving gay rights and the "culture wars." Traditionally, in the United States, marriage has been considered to be one of the areas governed by each state rather than by the Federal Government, and marriage laws are a patchwork whose details are different in each state. The possibility of same-sex marriage in each state depends on that state's constitution.