Same-Sex Marriage Issues on Yahoo! News Photos

Gay couple Ethan Collings (L) and his spouse Stephen Abate, ...

(Reuters) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:25:00 GMT

(Reuters) - Gay couple Ethan Collings (L) and his spouse Stephen Abate, 36, hug as they celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary in West Hollywood, California, June 16, 2009. The couple were married when same-sex marriages were first allowed last year. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2009 file photo, Ed Grandis, left, and ...

(AP) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:22:43 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2009 file photo, Ed Grandis, left, and Juan D. Rondon, hug after a bill allowing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia was introduced at a city council meeting in Washington. A measure to let voters decide whether to ban same-sex marriages in D.C. cannot go on the ballot because it would violate a city human rights law, the Board of Elections and Ethics ruled Tuesday Nov. 17, 2009. The D.C. City Council is expected to approve gay marriage next month, but opponents wanted voters to weigh in. The elections board said allowing residents to vote on a ban would conflict with the city's 1977 Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - In Oct. 6, 2009 file photo, Ed Grandis, left, and Juan ...

(AP) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:20:45 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In Oct. 6, 2009 file photo, Ed Grandis, left, and Juan D. Rondon, hold hands after a bill allowing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia was introduced at a city council meeting in Washington. A measure to let voters decide whether to ban same-sex marriages in D.C. cannot go on the ballot because it would violate a city human rights law, the Board of Elections and Ethics ruled Tuesday Nov. 17, 2009. The D.C. City Council is expected to approve gay marriage next month, but opponents wanted voters to weigh in. The elections board said allowing residents to vote on a ban would conflict with the city's 1977 Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FILE - In this file photo from Oct. 6, 2009, Patricia Hawkins, ...

(AP) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:18:40 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this file photo from Oct. 6, 2009, Patricia Hawkins, 69, a psychologist who works in Washington, wipes a tear as a bill allowing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia is introduced at a city council meeting in Washington. A measure to let voters decide whether to ban same-sex marriages in D.C. cannot go on the ballot because it would violate a city human rights law, the Board of Elections and Ethics ruled Tuesday Nov. 17, 2009. The D.C. City Council is expected to approve gay marriage next month, but opponents wanted voters to weigh in. The elections board said allowing residents to vote on a ban would conflict with the city's 1977 Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Gay couple Fernando Christopher, 40, (L) and his spouse Michael ...

(Reuters) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:44:55 GMT

(Reuters) - Gay couple Fernando Christopher, 40, (L) and his spouse Michael Domino Christopher, 35, hold hands as they celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary in West Hollywood, California, June 16, 2009. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss after applying ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:47:12 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss after applying to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Alex Freyre, right, holds hands with his partner Jose Maria ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:17:02 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, holds hands with his partner Jose Maria Di Bello as Civil Registry Director Alejandro Lanus, second right, speaks to them as the couple applies to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello pose for a photo ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:12:00 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello pose for a photo hand in hand after applying to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. The sign reads in Spanish 'Yes, I do.' (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello gesture during a ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:08:32 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello gesture during a press conference after applying to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss as they apply ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:06:48 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss as they apply to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello leave hand in hand ...

(AP) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:47:43 GMT

(AP) - Alex Freyre, right, and Jose Maria Di Bello leave hand in hand after applying to marry at the civil registry in Buenos Aires, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. A judge declared unconstitutional a law that bans same sex marriage and authorized the marriage between Freyre and Di Bello for Dec. 1. The couple are both are HIV positive and wear the red sashes to promote AIDS awareness. The sign at right reads in Spanish 'Yes, I do.' (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Jose Maria Di Bello (R) and Alex Freyre pose for a picture at ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:31:05 GMT

(Reuters) - Jose Maria Di Bello (R) and Alex Freyre pose for a picture at their home in Buenos Aires November 13, 2009. Argentine judge Gabriela Seijas has granted Freyre and Di Bello, a homosexual couple, permission to get married, setting a precedent that could pave the way for the Catholic country to become the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (ARGENTINA SOCIETY)

Alex Freyre (L) and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss at their home in ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:51:12 GMT

(Reuters) - Alex Freyre (L) and Jose Maria Di Bello kiss at their home in Buenos Aires, November 13, 2009. Argentine judge Gabriela Seijas has granted Freyre and Di Bello, a homosexual couple, permission to get married, setting a precedent that could pave the way for the Catholic country to become the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (ARGENTINA POLITICS SOCIETY)

Alex Freyre (L) and Jose Maria Di Bello pose for a picture at ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:44:40 GMT

(Reuters) - Alex Freyre (L) and Jose Maria Di Bello pose for a picture at their home in Buenos Aires, November 13, 2009. Argentine judge Gabriela Seijas has granted Freyre and Di Bello, a homosexual couple, permission to get married, setting a precedent that could pave the way for the Catholic country to become the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (ARGENTINA POLITICS SOCIETY)

Alex Freyre (L) caresses his partner Jose Maria Di Bello at ...

(Reuters) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:43:35 GMT

(Reuters) - Alex Freyre (L) caresses his partner Jose Maria Di Bello at their home in Buenos Aires, November 13, 2009. Argentine judge Gabriela Seijas has granted Freyre and Di Bello, a homosexual couple, permission to get married, setting a precedent that could pave the way for the Catholic country to become the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci (ARGENTINA POLITICS SOCIETY)

Diane Lee, left, and her spouse Nancy Hurst, right, of Hartford, ...

(AP) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:18:53 GMT

(AP) - Diane Lee, left, and her spouse Nancy Hurst, right, of Hartford, listen to speakers during a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of the day Connecticut began allowing same-sex marriages inside the Capitol in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Lee and Hurst were married on September 20th and have been together for 19 years. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Susan Holmes, left, and spouse Bessy Reyna, both of Connecticut, ...

(AP) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:18:09 GMT

(AP) - Susan Holmes, left, and spouse Bessy Reyna, both of Connecticut, cut a cake in celebration of the one-year anniversary of the day Connecticut began allowing same-sex marriages inside the Capitol in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Holmes and Reyna were married on November 16, 2008 and have been together for 35 years. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Gay and lesbian couples pose for a photograph marking the one-year ...

(AP) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:17:28 GMT

(AP) - Gay and lesbian couples pose for a photograph marking the one-year anniversary of the day Connecticut began allowing same-sex marriage in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009. Second from left is Robin Levine-Ritterman and spouse Barbara Levine-Ritterman, third from left, who were among the eight same-sex couples who sued for the right to marry. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Activists march during a protest in October 2009 in Washington, ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:37:16 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - Activists march during a protest in October 2009 in Washington, DC. The Catholic church has warned it will stop joint aid projects with Washington's authorities if the city passes a proposed law to legalize gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Brendan Smialowski)

New York Governor David Paterson who had asked for the state's ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:05:22 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - New York Governor David Paterson who had asked for the state's upper house to vote on a bill allowing gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Spencer Platt)

An Australian territory became the first to legalise civil partnership ...

(AFP/File) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:36:07 GMT

(AFP/File) - An Australian territory became the first to legalise civil partnership ceremonies for same-sex couples, in a move supporters hoped would spark national momentum. Under the new laws, gay couples will be able to hold a legally recognised civil union ceremony in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), home to the nation's parliament.(AFP/File/Torsten Blackwood)

New York Governor David Paterson, pictured in September 2009, ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:23:56 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - New York Governor David Paterson, pictured in September 2009, has asked the state legislature to vote Tuesday on a bill that would allow same-sex marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Spencer Platt)

Gov. David Paterson speaks to a joint session of the Legislature ...

(AP) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:41:37 GMT

(AP) - Gov. David Paterson speaks to a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Albany, N.Y., Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. Paterson asked legislators to support painful midyear spending cuts to help close a $3 billion budget deficit. A special session is planned for Tuesday to enact any cuts and possibly consider other measures, including legalization of same-sex marriage. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Gov. David Paterson speaks to a joint session of the Legislature ...

(AP) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:32:41 GMT

Swedish openly gay pastor Eva Brunne, front left, and and pastor ...

(AP) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:00:13 GMT

(AP) - Swedish openly gay pastor Eva Brunne, front left, and and pastor Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund, right, seen after Brunne being ordained as bishop of the Church of Sweden's Stockholm Diocese and Bylund as Bishop of Haernoesand in northern Sweden respectively, during a ceremony in the cathedral of Uppsala in eastern Sweden on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. T he ordination comes only a few weeks after the Church of Sweden decided to allow church weddings for gay couples. (AP Photo/Scanpix/Staffan Claesson)

Swedish openly gay pastor Eva Brunne, right, is ordained as ...

(AP) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:58:12 GMT

(AP) - Swedish openly gay pastor Eva Brunne, right, is ordained as bishop of the Church of Sweden's Stockholm Diocese by Swedish Archbishop Anders Wejryd, left, during a ceremony in the cathedral of Uppsala in eastern Sweden on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. Brunne was ordained on Sunday alongside another female pastor, Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund, who will take over as Bishop of Haernoesand in northern Sweden. The ordination comes only a few weeks after the Church of Sweden decided to allow church weddings for gay couples. (AP Photo/Scanpix/Staffan Claesson)

Swedish openly gay pastor Eva Brunne, right, is ordained as ...

(AP) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:54:43 GMT

FILE - In this June 17, 2008 file photo, Amber Weiss and Sharon ...

(AP) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:35:29 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this June 17, 2008 file photo, Amber Weiss and Sharon Papo, both of Berkeley, Calif., hold hands during their wedding ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco. What public schools will be required to teach about same-sex marriage has emerged as the central issue in the campaigns against same-sex marriage in both California and Maine.(AP Photo/Darryl Bush, FILE)

FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2009 file photo, Frank Schubert, campaign ...

(AP) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:34:47 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2009 file photo, Frank Schubert, campaign director for Stand for Marriage Maine, talks to supporters of Yes on 1, in Portland, Maine. What public schools will be required to teach about same-sex marriage has emerged as the central issue in the campaigns against same-sex marriage in both California and Maine.(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2008 file photo, Rosana Mendoza, 14, ...

(AP) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:34:21 GMT

(AP) - FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2008 file photo, Rosana Mendoza, 14, left, gets a hug from her sister Bianca, 4, before a rally in support of Proposition 8 to ban same sex marriage in Sacramento, Calif. What public schools will be required to teach about same-sex marriage has emerged as the central issue in the campaigns against same-sex marriage in both California and Maine.(AP Photo/Steve Yeater, File)

Gay marriage supporters Karen Weiss (L) comforts Jennifer Hoopes ...

(Reuters) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:51:15 GMT

(Reuters) - Gay marriage supporters Karen Weiss (L) comforts Jennifer Hoopes as they watch election results at the No on 1/Protect Maine Equality election night rally in Portland, Maine November 4, 2009. REUTERS/Joel Page

Mary Bonauto of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, center, ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:01:17 GMT

(AP) - Mary Bonauto of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, center, addresses supporters of same-sex marriage on the steps of City Hall, in Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, a day after voters rejected the gay marriage law. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Supporters of same-sex marriage meet on the steps of City Hall, ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:57:55 GMT

(AP) - Supporters of same-sex marriage meet on the steps of City Hall, in Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, a day after voters rejected the gay marriage law that was passed last May. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Kt Crossman joins same-sex marriage supporters for a rally ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:28:29 GMT

(AP) - Kt Crossman joins same-sex marriage supporters for a rally on the steps of City Hall, in Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, a day after voters rejected the gay marriage law. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Two people argue their differences regarding same-sex marriage ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:25:12 GMT

(AP) - Two people argue their differences regarding same-sex marriage in front of City Hall, in Portland, Maine, on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, a day after voters rejected the gay marriage law. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

A lesbian couple attends a rally in defense of same-sex marriage. ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:03:12 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - A lesbian couple attends a rally in defense of same-sex marriage. Maine voters have rejected a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, in a major setback to gay rights advocates hoping the northeastern US state would become the first in the country where voters directly approve gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Max Whittaker)

Opponents of same-sex marriage hold up a sign and a crucifix ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:03:12 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - Opponents of same-sex marriage hold up a sign and a crucifix during a rally outside in 2004. Maine voters have rejected a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, in a major setback to gay rights advocates hoping the northeastern US state would become the first in the country where voters directly approve gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Michael Springer)

A woman protests against same-sex marriage in 2004. Maine voters ...

(AFP/Getty Images/File) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:03:12 GMT

(AFP/Getty Images/File) - A woman protests against same-sex marriage in 2004. Maine voters have rejected a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, in a major setback to gay rights advocates hoping the northeastern US state would become the first in the country where voters directly approve gay marriage.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Douglas Mcfadd)

Gay marriage supporters Barb Wood (R) and Margaret O'Connell ...

(Reuters) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:47:16 GMT

(Reuters) - Gay marriage supporters Barb Wood (R) and Margaret O'Connell (C), comfort Tim Diehl as they wait for election results at the No on 1/Protect Maine Equality election night rally in Portland, Maine November 4, 2009. The group is working to prevent the repeal of Maine's gay marriage law, which was adopted last spring by Maine's legislature. REUTERS/Joel Page

Approve71 campaign manager Josh Friedes, left, campaign workers ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:43:47 GMT

(AP) - Approve71 campaign manager Josh Friedes, left, campaign workers Noel Frame, second left, and George Cheung and campaign chair Anne Levinson tally results behind the scenes before making an announcement to the crowd, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in Seattle. Washington state voters on Tuesday were narrowly approving the state's new 'everything but marriage' law that marks a significant expansion of rights for gay couples. With about 50 percent of the expected vote counted, Referendum 71 was leading 51 percent to 49 percent. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Jesse Connolly gives a grim yet unofficial announcement regarding ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:25:21 GMT

(AP) - Jesse Connolly gives a grim yet unofficial announcement regarding the defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009. Maine voters decided to rescind the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.(AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Supporters of Referendum 71 Vanessa Carr, right, and Pete-e ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:24:29 GMT

(AP) - Supporters of Referendum 71 Vanessa Carr, right, and Pete-e Petersen cheer with others at an Election Night party , Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in Seattle. Washington state voters on Tuesday were narrowly approving the state's new 'everything but marriage' law that marks a significant expansion of rights for gay couples. With about 50 percent of the expected vote counted, Referendum 71 was leading 51 percent to 49 percent. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:22:43 GMT

(AP) - Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009. Maine voters decided decide to rescind the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.(AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:22:25 GMT

Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:18:21 GMT

(AP) - Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009. Maine voters decided to rescind the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.(AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Partners Lisa Brackbill, left, and Lisa Pugh, right, both from ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:17:40 GMT

(AP) - Partners Lisa Brackbill, left, and Lisa Pugh, right, both from Buckfield, Maine console one another along with Darlene Huntress, center, of Portland, after learning about the unofficial defeat on Question 1 at election night headquarters in Portland, Maine, early Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, 2009. Maine voters decided decide to rescind the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage.(AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach)

Friends console one another after learning about the unofficial ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:16:58 GMT

Charlene Strong, right, plants a kiss on the cheek of Pete-e ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:04:18 GMT

(AP) - Charlene Strong, right, plants a kiss on the cheek of Pete-e Petersen after the two were introducted at an Election Night party for supporters of Referendum 71, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in Seattle. Washington state voters on Tuesday were narrowly approving the state's new 'everything but marriage' law that marks a significant expansion of rights for gay couples. With about 50 percent of the expected vote counted, Referendum 71 was leading 51 percent to 49 percent. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Frank Schubert, campaign director for Stand for Marriage Maine, ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:47:40 GMT

(AP) - Frank Schubert, campaign director for Stand for Marriage Maine, claims victory for Yes on 1, Tuesday evening, Nov. 3, 2009, in Portland, Maine. Question 1 was the proposal to rescind the Legislature's approval of same-sex marriage(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Ken Hutcherson, left, pastor of the Antioch Bible Church in ...

(AP) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:23:35 GMT

(AP) - Ken Hutcherson, left, pastor of the Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Wash., talks to reporters outside a gathering of people opposed to Washington state's Referendum 71, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in a hotel in Everett, Wash. Hutcherson said that just getting the referendum on the ballot was a victory, and that if it passes, his followers are not finished fighting against any measure that might lead to legalization of same-sex marriage. If passed, Referendum 71 asks voters to approve or reject the final expansion to the state's domestic partnership law, which grants registered domestic partners additional state-granted rights currently given only to married couples. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)