what was the first state to legalize gay marriage

Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage, with the ruling taking effect on May 17, 2004.

Quick Scoop

• First state overall: Massachusetts.

• How it happened: The state’s highest court ruled in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health that the ban was unconstitutional.

• Note: Vermont was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation, but Massachusetts was first overall.

If you want, I can also give you a one-line timeline of the first few states that followed.