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Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. Gay couples in this state are recognized as partners; however, marriage is not yet legal.
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The U.S. Supreme Court rules sodomy laws in the U.S. are unconstitutional.
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Gay marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts.
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Civil unions become legal in Connecticut.
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Civil unions become legal in New Jersey.
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The House of Representatives approves a bill granting equal rights in the workplace for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.
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A New York State appeals court unanimously votes that valid same-sex marriages performed in other states must be recognized by employers in New York, granting same-sex couples the same rights as other couples.
Oregon passes a law that allows same-sex couples to register as domestic partners. This gives them some spousal rights of married couples. -
Connecticut becomes the second state to legalize gay marriage.
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Gay marriage is now legal in Iowa after it being turned down only days before.
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New Hampshire allows gay marriage, and President Obama signs a referendum allowing the same-sex partners of federal employees to receive benefits.
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Gay marriage becomes legal in the District of Columbia.
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New York becomes the largest state to legalize gay marriage.
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Washington legalizes gay marriage under a month before Maryland.