Prior to their decision, same-sex marriage was already legal in 37 states and Washington DC, but was banned in the remaining Proponents of legal gay marriage contend that gay marriage bans are discriminatory and unconstitutional, and that same-sex couples should have access to all the benefits enjoyed by different-sex couples. Opponents contend that marriage has traditionally been defined as being between one man and one woman, and that marriage is primarily for procreation. Read more background….

Kennedy wrote for the majority in the historic decision. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. The decision, which was the culmination of decades of litigation and activism, set off jubilation and tearful embraces across the country , the first same-sex marriages in several states, and resistance — or at least stalling — in others.

Same-sex marriage has been legalized in twenty-eight countries, including the United States, and civil unions are recognized in many Western democracies. Civil Society. While same-sex marriage has made the most gains in Western democracies, antidiscrimination laws are gaining traction worldwide. In , seventy-three countries, including some that retain sodomy laws, had protections against employment discrimination [PDF] based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Activists in the international arena have focused on antiviolence and antidiscrimination campaigns rather than same-sex marriage.