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Gay Couples Apply for Marriage Licenses
Same-sex couples apply for marriage licenses but are denied them. Gay rights activists begin to protest for change, although they are still mainly focused on other gay rights, like fighting against discrimination in the workplace. -
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is Passed
The RFRA is passed to protect people's religious freedom. It means that you can't be discriminated against or fired from your job based on your religion or something you do because of your religion. Though a very helpful act, this act would be used as a reason to discriminate against same-sex couples. -
Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Bill Clinton passes this act to specify that marriage can only happen between a man and a women. States can still legalize same-sex marriage, but now they don't have to, and are given a good reason not to. -
Lawrence v. Texas
The Supreme Court case, Lawrence v. Texas, strikes down sodomy laws. It is decided that civil unions do not give the same rights as marriage. It is also decided that you can't discriminated based on the voters or governments 'moral disapproval'. -
President Bush Announces His Opinion
President Bush announces that marriage should be a right reserved for heterosexuals. -
Massachusetts Legalizes Gay Marriage
Massachusetts becomes the first state to begin granting legal marriage licenses to same sex couples. -
First Official Fully Legal Same Sex Marriage
The first same-sex couple, two women in their 50's get married in Massachusetts, on the same day the state becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage. This is the first legal gay marriage in the United States. -
United Church of Christ passes Equal Marriage Act
The United Church of Christ passes the Equal Marriage act, which declares that everyone has an equal right to get married. As gay marriage was previously against most religions, the United Church of Christ shows its support, helping to end the discrimination of same-sex couples by those who say it is against their religion. -
President Obama Endorses Gay Marriage
President Obama announces publicly that he supports same-sex marriage, which helps to kickstart the process of making it fully legal in all 50 states. -
DOMA is Found Unconstitutional
President Barack Obama convinces the Supreme Court to take a look at the Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed by President Bill Clinton 17 years earlier. It is found unconstitutional as it violates gay couples' freedom and 14th amendment rights. -
Colorado Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Colorado joins many other states in legalizing same-sex marriage. -
Gay Marriage Legalized in the U.S
Obergefell v. Hodges argues that marriage is a fundamental right. They argue that according to the 14th amendment and the equal protection clause, everyone has the right to be married legally no matter who they are. Many states have legalized same-sex marriage by now, but marriage is now fully legal in all 50 states, including the 13 states where it previously was banned. -
Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples Is Still An Issue
A baker in Colorado refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple because he would then be forced to go outside of his religious beliefs. This case will go the Supreme Court in the fall. Most argue that what he did was wrong, and that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act should be changed to specify that you can have your religious freedom as long as it doesn't restrict the rights and freedoms of others.
