Massachusetts (first U.S. state to legalize)

Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004, a landmark decision that set a precedent for marriage equality nationwide. The state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples violated the state constitution. This decision marked a significant moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring advocates across the country. Following Massachusetts, several states adopted similar laws, ultimately leading to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 2015 that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. The move represented a major step toward civil rights and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.