Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts

Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts refers to the legal recognition of marriage between two individuals of the same gender. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage following a court ruling that found denying such marriages violated the state constitution. This decision granted same-sex couples the same legal rights, protections, and responsibilities as heterosexual couples, including matters like inheritance, healthcare, and adoption. The law has since served as a precedent for other states and contributed to broader national discussions and legal efforts advancing marriage equality.