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Equality Illinois founded
“Equality Illinois is the state’s oldest and largest organization fighting for full equality for LGBT people. And most of our work, most of our year round statewide work is educational is grassroots organizing and outreach work,” said Bernard Cherkasov, chief executive officer at Equality Illinois, an organization that protects and defends civil rights of LGBT individuals. “We are paving the way for full equality." -
Baehr v. Lewin
In the case Baehr v. Lewin, Hawaii’s high court issued a ruling, the first of its kind, which stated that any barrier to marriage is discrimination and launched a freedom to marry movement, according to Lambda Legal, the nation’s first legal organization dedicated to equality for LGBT individuals. -
Defense of Marriage Act
Defense of Marriage Act was sponsored by Representative Bob Barr on May 7, according to The Library of Congress. With DOMA the U.S. federal government defined marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman. Approval of the law and became public on Sept. 21. -
Baehr v. Miike
In Baehr v. Miike, Hawaii’s high court ruled that Hawaii’s constitution would no longer protect LGBT individuals in their freedom to marry, Lambda Legal reported. -
Illinois Domestic Partnerships
In October, the Illinois Cook County Domestic Partnership Registry was created, said Gail Siegel, policy and communications director for the office of the Cook County clerk, David Orr. -
Same-sex Marriage in Massachusetts
Same-sex marriage recognized in Massachusetts, according to Massachusetts Department of Revenue.
“In Massachusetts and another state, I believe, the courts said that civil unions were discriminatory. Like separate but equal,” said Mark Neil, an attorney that that specializes in estate and tax law. -
Domestic Partnerships in Maine
Domestic partnerships were established in Maine, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a research think tank that provides analysis on LGBT issues. -
Domestic Partnerships in California
Domestic partnership registry established in California, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Domestic Partnerships in New Jersey
The Domestic Partnership Act was enacted on July 10, 2004 according to State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The act was amended by the Civil Union Act, implemented on February 19, 2007, which changed the original allowances for same-sex couples, age 18 or older, and opposite-sex couples age 62 or older to enter a domestic partnership, to same-sex or opposite-sex couples, age 62 or older. -
Same-sex Marriage in Connecticut
On October 28, the Connecticut Supreme Court decided that the state’s public policy, which limited marriage to being between a man and a woman, violated the equal protection principles of Connecticut’s constitution, according to the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health. As a result, marriage licenses were allowed for same-sex couples. -
Domestic Partnership Oregon
Domestic partnership bill passed in Oregon, according to the Movement Advancement Project. -
Domestic Partnerships in Washington
Domestic partnerships allowed in Washington, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Same-sex Marriage Vermont
Vermont became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislative action without a judicial order, according to the Vermont Human Rights Commission. -
Same-Sex Marriage Iowa
Iowa law permitted same-sex couples to marry, according to Iowa Department of Revenue. -
Relationship Contract in Colorado
The Colorado Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act was passed, allowing two unmarried people to affirm that they want each other to have legal rights, benefits and protections to make certain decisions for each other, according to the Colorado Bar Association. -
Domestic Partnerships in Wisconsin
Domestic partnerships allowed in Wisconsin, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Domestic Partnership in Nevada
Domestic partnership bill passed in Nevada, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Same-sex Marriage in New Hampshire
Same-sex marriage law passed in New Hampshire, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Same-sex Marriage in D.C.
The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act ensured that same-sex couples were able to apply for marriage licenses in the District of Columbia, according to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. -
Same-sex Marriage in New Mexico
Out of state same-sex marriage recognized in New Mexico, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Domestic Partnerships End in Illinois
Domestic Partnerships end in Illinois, according to County County clerk's office. -
Civil Unions in Illinois
Couples could begin obtaining civil unions licenses in Illinois, according to Cook County clerk’s office.
“The language and discussion of marriage among gay people has increased and suddenly normalized like I never expected it would,” said John Hassey, a pre-marital counselor. “Because civil unions weren’t available to gay people before I think they took a lot longer to make those kind of legal commitments because they had a lot more hoops to jump through." -
Civil Unions in Rhode Island
Civil union law passed in Rhode Island that also allows out of state same-sex marriages to be recognized, according to Movement Advancement Project. -
Same-sex Marriage in New York
Same-sex marriage law passed in New York, according to Movement Advancement Project.
