Who Can or Can't Marry in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts was the first state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004. Since then, marriage laws have varied state-by-state. Some states prohibit gay marriage; others allow it; and yet a few have settled for domestic partnerships or civil union laws as compromise.

However, recently the issue of who can and can't get married in Massachusetts has become even more complicated. Since Massachusetts allows same-sex marriage, can a person from another state get married there and have it recognized by their home state? The Massachusetts courts made it clear that the state can't issue licenses to gay couples from other states that prohibit same-sex marriage; but what about the ones that don't explicitly prohibit gay unions?

Here are key points that can help clarify who can and who can't get married in Massachusetts.

Suggested Readings:
How To: Get Married in Massachusetts
Plan Ahead: Gay Wedding Planner
Get the Facts: Where is Gay Marriage Legal?
World News: Israel Recognizes Foreign Gay Marriages

_{Photo: Christopher Johnson (L) and Ken Repp share a moment during a ceremony on May 17, 2005 to mark the one year anniversary of the passing of same sex marriage in Boston, Massachusetts. Because of the law couples like Johnson and Repp were able to marry. (Photo © Darren McCollester/ Getty Images)}