marriage equality
Last updatedWhat to know
Marriage equality is the term used to refer to the legalization of marriage between people of any genders. Marriage equality was legalized on June 26, 2015, when the Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that the Constitution guarantees every US citizen the right to marry, regardless of the sex of their partner. The term is now standard when referencing legalization, as it gives equal respect and credence to same-sex marriage. If it’s necessary to specify that a marriage is between two people of the same gender, using the term same-sex marriage rather than “gay marriage” is more precise (unless the individuals being discussed use the term).
In 2021, the Biden administration also championed the Equality Act, which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ Americans to areas including education, accommodation, employment, housing, and jury service, among others.
Additional resources
- GLAAD on Marriage Equality (GLAAD)
Summary
Marriage equality refers to the legalization of marriage between individuals of any genders. If it’s necessary to specify that a marriage is between two people of the same gender, using the term same-sex marriage rather than “gay marriage” is more precise (unless the individuals being discussed use the term).