In the United States, marriage is currently defined as matrimonial union between one man and one woman. Civil unions have a similar definition, although a civil union is not a religious ceremony. With the exception of the state of Massachusetts, same-sex marriages and civil unions are banned. Five states (Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and New York) have no specific laws concerning gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender marriages. A few states allow civil unions between homosexual couples. …
