Love transcends all boundaries. This is something many Americans have learned during the 21st century when all sorts of relationships have flourished in the open. Among these are same-sex relationships, which many states have now legalized.
Same-sex marriage is a fairly common occurrence now in the United States. However, there might be some things that you don’t know about this recent form of marriage and the laws that surround it. Here’s everything you need to know about same-sex marriage.
The History of Same-Sex Marriage in America
The first state to legalize same-sex marriage was Massachusetts in 2004. Since then, many other states have followed suit. Finally, in 2015, the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal nationwide, ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. This was a landmark case that helped to shape the way we view same-sex marriage today. However, despite this case, same-sex marriage is still lagging in legal standards.
It Still Has Outdated Standards
Although the United States has technically legalized same-sex marriage, that doesn’t mean that it’s without its flaws. For example, many states don’t allow joint tax returns if you’re in a same-sex relationship. This means that you and your partner will have to do your taxes separately, which can be a pain.
There are Still Bans in the Various States
It’s only relatively recently that Virginia has removed its same-sex marriage ban. Many other states have bans on same-sex marriage, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Kentucky. So although same-sex marriage is legal in all states, it doesn’t mean that people in these states can do it.
These Bans Could Change Soon
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case that could potentially change the way same-sex marriage is seen in the United States. The case, Obergefell v. Hodges challenges state bans on same-sex marriage. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Obergefell, then these bans will be lifted, and same-sex couples will be able to marry nationwide.
It Can Be More Expensive
Because of the intricacies of such a law and some states not fully recognizing same-sex marriage, some complications exist within this kind of union. One of the main problems that same-sex couples have found is that it can be more expensive.
This is because, in some states, same-sex couples have to pay higher taxes than heterosexual couples. So, if you’re looking to save money, getting married might not be the best idea.
There Are Fewer Protections
Regarding things like health insurance and social security, same-sex couples don’t have the same protections as heterosexual couples. This means that if one member of a same-sex couple dies, the other might not be able to get their health insurance or social security benefits. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence in states that don’t recognize same-sex couples.
It Gets a Lot More Complicated if You Adopt a Child
If you’re in a same-sex relationship and want to adopt a child, it can be quite complicated. In some states, only one member of the couple is legally allowed to adopt the child. This can cause problems down the road if the couple decides to split up, causing some couples to review same-sex child custody rights. Many end up paying a lot more for lawyers to settle this.
It Can Be Challenging to Get a Visa
If you’re in a same-sex relationship and trying to get your partner a visa, it can be pretty difficult. This is because, in some countries, same-sex relationships are not recognized. As a result, your partner might not be able to get a visa to enter the country. Moreover, if they do get a visa, your marriage isn’t likely to be recognized by the country.
How Same-Sex Marriage Is Viewed by Americans
The public opinion of same-sex marriage is changing. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. Prior to this, many Americans opposed same-sex marriage. However, now, more and more Americans are coming around to the idea of it. In fact, according to a 2017 poll, 61% of Americans support same-sex marriage.
The Future is Clearer
Although there are still some issues that need to be ironed out, the future of same-sex marriage in the United States is looking bright. With more and more states recognizing it, and public opinion shifting in favor of it, it’s likely that these remaining legal issues will eventually be resolved.
There are a lot of things to consider if you’re thinking about getting married, especially if you’re in a same-sex relationship. These are just some of the things that you should keep in mind. Make sure to do your research and talk to a lawyer before making this decision. Moreover, ensure that the state you’re marrying your loved one in recognizes your marriage and does not discriminate against same-sex couples.