Abstract

This article argues that fears about recognizing same-sex couples destroying marriage are irrational, and that same-sex couples deserve the same recognition and protection as that afforded to opposite-sex couples. The article surveys same-sex marriage and registered partnership laws in Europe, Canada, and various states of the United States including Hawaii, Alaska, Vermont, and Massachusetts. The article was published just as Massachusetts was about to begin performing its first same-sex marriages in 2004. As such, the article provides a useful historical overview and reference for those writing about same-sex marriage in the United States and other countries.