Table 1.

Policies Recognizing Same Sex Unions by State (2008-2013)

State	Policies Recognizing Same-Sex Unions as of 2013
California	Domestic partnership was available to same-sex couples until May 2008. Same-sex couples were able to marry June- November of 2008. A stay on marriages was imposed from November 2008 through June 2013. (Domestic partnerships were still available to same-sex couples during this period). Marriage resumed on June 28, 2013.
Connecticut	CT allowed civil unions from 2005 to the end of September 2010, and became the second state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2008. Couples were able to marry starting October 2008.
Illinois	IL recognized same-sex civil unions as of June 1, 2011. The legislature adopted legislation to recognize same-sex marriage in November 2013.
Iowa	IA started recognizing same-sex marriages starting June 2009.
Massachusetts	MA was the first state to allow same-sex marriage and began issuing licenses in May 2004.
New Jersey	NJ passed same-sex civil union legislation in early 2007. The NJ State Supreme Court decided that the state must recognize same-sex marriage in October 2013.
New Hampshire	NH recognized same-sex civil unions from 2008 until the end of 2009 and legalized marriage starting January 2010.
Oregon	OR passed legislation in 2008 that extended all marriage rights to same-sex couples in domestic partnerships.
Rhode Island	RI passed legislation allowing civil unions starting July 1, 2011.
Washington	WA passed House Bill 2839 in early 2009 to recognize same- sex domestic partnerships.
Washington, DC	Same-sex couples could apply for marriage licenses in Washington, DC starting March 2010.
Vermont	VT recognized same-sex civil unions until September 1, 2009. Marriage was legal thereafter.

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013