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Gay Marriage Timeline

By sarahlevi

  • Stonewall Riots

    Stonewall Riots
    The Stonewall Riots at Christopher Street take place, causing many police to raid gay bars. Image Credit: Leonard Fink

  • Baker v. Nelson

    Baker v. Nelson
    Jack Baker and James Michael McConnell request to be wed in Minnesota, but are denied by Gerald Nelson at the Hennepin County District because of their gender. This sparked the Baker v. Nelson case. Image Credit: Minnesota Historical Society

  • The American Psychiatric Association

    The American Psychiatric Association
    The American Psychiatric Association no longer classifies homosexuality as a mental disorder. Image Credit: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

  • The American Psychological Association

    The American Psychological Association
    The American Psychological Association no longer classifies homosexuality as a mental disorder. Image Credit: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

  • An Epidemic

    An Epidemic
    The AIDS epidemic spreads; increases homophobia and discrimination against homosexuals in society. Image Credit: Gori1984

  • First Openly Gay Congressman

    First Openly Gay Congressman
    Congressman Gerry Studds becomes the first every openly gay congressman. Image Credit: Tory Wesnofske/Associated Press

  • Baehr v. Lewin

    Baehr v. Lewin
    Ruling of Baehr v. Lewin claims that the state of Hawaii cannot ban same-sex marriage without a "compelling reason". Image Credit: Genora Dancel

  • Defense of Marriage Act

    Defense of Marriage Act
    The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is passed, defining marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. Image Credit: Defense of Marriage Act

  • Baker v. Vermont

    Baker v. Vermont
    The ruling of Baker v. Vermont states that same-sex couples deserve the same laws of protection and benefits as heterosexuals. Image Credit: John Becker

  • Vermont Takes the First Step

    Vermont Takes the First Step
    Vermont becomes the first state to give same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, without deeming it as marriage. Image Credit: CNN Library

  • Lawrence v. Texas

    Lawrence v. Texas
    Lawrence v. Texas ruling states that sodomy laws are unconstitutional. Image Credit: Stephen Rutledge

  • Massachusetts

    Massachusetts
    The highest court in Massachusetts rules that the state must allow same-sex couples the right to marry. Image Credit: Phillip Martin

  • First Same Sex Couple Wedding

    First Same Sex Couple Wedding
    The first same-sex couple, Tanya McCloskey and Marcia Kadish are wed in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Image Credit: DINA RUDICK/GLOBE STAFF/2004

  • Repealing DOMA

    Repealing DOMA
    Obama administration states that it will repeal DOMA. Image Credit: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

  • President's Support

    President's Support
    President Barack Obama becomes the first sitting U.S president to express support for same-sex marriage Image Credit: CNN Library

  • United States v. Windsor

    United States v. Windsor
    The ruling of United States v. Windsor deems DOMA unconstitutional. Image Credit: Human Rights Campaign

  • Obergefell v. Hodges

    Obergefell v. Hodges
    Obergefell v. Hodges ruling officially legalizes same-sex marriage in the United States of America. Image Credit: OutSmart Magazine