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Abstract
Despite the considerable attention recently given to the issue of marriage equality, limited empirical research has focused on the consequences of being explicitly allowed or denied civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. Although monumental victories for marriage equality have occurred in the past year, nineteen states still deny same-sex couples access to civil marriage. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 218 members of married same-sex couples. Participants living in states without legal recognition displayed significantly greater negative affect (e.g., distress, fear) than participants in states with legal recognition. Themes from qualitative data revealed psychological, emotional, and tangible outcomes related to marriage equality and clear distinctions between individuals living in states with or without marriage equality. Implications for practice and research are presented.
