Chart: Same-Sex Relationship Recognition by State

The chart below lists the states in which same-sex couples can enter into committed legal relationships through state-recognized procedures. The range of rights provided is broad. Some states, like Massachusetts, allow full legal marriage for same-sex couples. Some, like California, provide a "marriage equivalent" (such as domestic partnership) with many or all of the rights and benefits of marriage. Other states, like Maine, allow gay and lesbian couples to register in relationships that provide some benefits (though far fewer than those enjoyed by married couples).

To find out the details of the same-sex relationship laws in your state, see Nolo's article Same-Sex Marriage: Developments in the Law.

State	Type of Relationship	Effective Date	Is Relationship a Marriage Equivalent?	Passed DOMA or Constitutional Amendment?*
California	Domestic Partner	1/2005	Yes	Yes
Connecticut	Civil Union Marriage	10/2005 (CU) 10/2008 (M)	Yes	No
Colorado	Reciprocal Beneficiaries	4/2009	No	Yes
Delaware	Civil Union	1/2012	Yes	Yes
District of Columbia	Marriage	3/2010	Yes	No
Hawaii	Civil Union	1/2012	Yes	Yes
Illinois	Civil Union	7/1/2011	Yes	Yes
Iowa	Marriage	4/2009	Yes	No
Massachusetts	Marriage	5/2004	Yes	No
Maine	Domestic Partner	9/2009	No	No
Maryland	Marriage	1/2013**	Yes	No
Nevada	Domestic Partner	10/2009	Yes	No
New Hampshire	Civil Union Marriage	1/2008 (CU) 1/2010 (M)	Yes	No
New Jersey	Civil Union	2/2007	Yes	No
New York	Marriage	2011	Yes	No
Oregon	Domestic Partner	2/2008	Yes	Yes
Rhode Island	Civil Union	2011	Yes	No
Vermont	Civil Union/Marriage	9/2009	Yes	No
Washington	Domestic Partner	11/2009	Yes	Yes
Washington	Marriage	6/2012**	Yes	No
Wisconsin	Domestic Partner	7/2009	No	Yes

*States that have passed a defense of marriage act (DOMA) or a constitutional amendment have effectively limited legal marriage to couples of the opposite sex. In order for same-sex marriage to become possible in these states, their DOMA laws must be overturned or their constitutions amended.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the complex and ever-changing rules of same-sex relationship laws, a review of all the issues that influence the decision to marry, and practical guidance on one of the most important decisions a couple can make, get Making It Legal: A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnership & Civil Unions, by Frederick Hertz with Emily Doskow (Nolo).

Chart: Same-Sex Relationship Recognition by State

A look at states that recognize same-sex marriage, civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, and more.