In the wake of the the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Proposition 8 appeal and ruling that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, a look at major moments in the same-sex marriage movement in America.
September 1996: Congress passes the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage. President Bill Clinton signs it into law on Sept. 20.
President Clinton in a file photo from 1994.
Via: Jennifer Young / Getty Images
April 2000: Vermont becomes first state to legalize civil unions.
Via: Toby Talbot / AP
Nov. 18, 2003: The Massachusetts Supreme Court rules in favor of same-sex marriage.
Via: Douglas McFadd / Getty Images
May 17, 2004: Massachusetts begins performing same-sex marriages.
Via: Angela Jimenez / Getty Images
