We believe that opening it up to same-sex couples will strengthen, not weaken, the institution.
Same-sex couples with children may or may not be allowed to file as heads of household.
The bill, if passed, will allow same-sex couples, who can currently hold civil ceremonies, to marry.
The authorities in Brazil have ruled that marriage licences should not be denied to same-sex couples.
On the other side, many states have specific laws blocking same-sex couples from legally marrying.
The shooting stunned a city where, in many neighborhoods, same-sex couples now walk freely holding hands.
France's National Assembly has approved a law allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children.
Last year, assembly members rejected a proposal that same-sex couples should have the right to marry.
Then there is the continued difficulty same-sex couples face in getting a legal split.
Republican Theodore Olson and Democrat David Boies are leading the legal team representing the same-sex couples.
The ruling opens the door for same-sex couples to begin trying the knot in 30 days.
Same-sex couples can now legally marry in nine states and the District of Columbia.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law a bill that allowed same-sex couples to wed.
Rights for same-sex couples are on the ballot today in Maine and Washington state.
This after the California high court had earlier concluded same-sex couples could legally wed.
CNN: Obama administration weighs in on defense of marriage law
Same-sex marriages might encourage greater acceptance of same-sex couples in society, the government believes.
The legislation would ensure this duty did not apply to same-sex couples, she said.
This mostly boils down to redefining marriage in law so that same-sex couples may contract it.
But many same-sex couples are facing a new dilemma: how do you tie the knot?
FORBES: The Next Same-Sex Marriage Battle: Who Will Officiate?
She claimed the majority of people in Scotland had concerns about allowing same-sex couples to adopt.
From April 2011, same-sex couples have the right to a civil partnership and to adopt.
Mr Obama first voiced support for the right of same-sex couples to marry in May.
The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples in the state have a right to marry.
New Jersey he can perform marriages for heterosexual couples and civil union ceremonies for same-sex couples.
FORBES: The Next Same-Sex Marriage Battle: Who Will Officiate?
Nine other states allow same-sex marriage, and about 120, 000 same-sex couples have gotten married, according to estimates.
In 2005, Britain allowed same-sex couples to register civil partnerships, prompting the church to consider the issue.
In 2009, Uruguay was the first Latin American country to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.
And just this week, elected leaders in New Mexico urged same-sex couples to apply for wedding licenses.
CNN: Gay couple fights for right to marry in epic high court fight
" The concern is not whether same-sex couples can make "quality and successful efforts in raising children.
And President Obama says he supports civil unions and other benefits for same-sex couples but opposes marriage.
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