Timeline of Civil Marriage in the United States

The timeline of civil marriage in the United States has undergone significant changes, particularly concerning the recognition and legality of marriages involving individuals of different races and, more recently, same-sex couples. This study gives a timeline highlighting key milestones in the evolution of civil marriage in the United States.

Timeline of Civil Marriage in the United States

1. Table of Contents

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   Loving v. Virginia (1967):

   • In the landmark case Loving v. Virginia, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously struck down state laws banning interracial marriage. This decision declared that restrictions on the freedom to marry based on race were unconstitutional.

2. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015):

   • In another landmark case, Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the constitutional right to marry. The decision legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, striking down state laws that banned such unions.

3. Civil Rights Act of 1964:

   • While not specific to marriage, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 played a crucial role in addressing racial discrimination. It prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in public accommodations, education, and employment.

4. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA – 1996):

   • The Defense of Marriage Act defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman for federal purposes. It allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Parts of DOMA were eventually struck down by the Supreme Court in United States v. Windsor (2013).

5. Hollingsworth v. Perry (2013):

   • In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the Supreme Court ruled that the proponents of California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in the state, lacked standing to appeal a lower court decision. This effectively allowed same-sex marriages to resume in California.

6. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) – National Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage:

   • The Obergefell decision was a watershed moment, establishing that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by the Equal Protection Clause and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

7. Laws Addressing Common-Law Marriage and Civil Unions:

   • Various states have different laws regarding common-law marriage and civil unions. Some states recognize common-law marriages, while others do not. Civil unions have been a legal alternative in some states, providing legal recognition without the term “marriage.”

8. Evolution of State Laws on Same-Sex Marriage:

   • Before the Obergefell decision, several states had individually legalized same-sex marriage through legislative or judicial actions. The timeline leading to nationwide legalization saw a series of state-level changes.

The timeline reflects the complex legal and societal journey toward the recognition of marriage rights for all individuals, regardless of race or sexual orientation. Legal challenges, legislative actions, and court decisions have played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of civil marriage in the United States.