Where states stand on same-sex marriage

Massachusetts is the only state that recognizes same-sex marriages, the result of a 2003 ruling by its Supreme Judicial Court.

Three other states -- Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey -- have civil unions that extend marriage-like rights to same-sex couples.

California, Hawaii and Maine have granted various spousal rights to same-sex couples registered as domestic partners.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, all but five states -- Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Rhode Island -- have adopted constitutional amendments or statutes banning gay marriage. New Hampshire's ban is statutory.

The federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages, whether performed in Massachusetts or abroad. Congress has twice failed to approve a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would ban gay marriage nationwide.