Same-sex marriage lawsState governments, voters, and more recently the courts have made sweeping changes to laws defining whether marriage is limited to relationships between a woman and a man or whether it is extended to people of the same sex. The status of same-sex marriage has long been a controversial issue, although several states recognize it. In 1993, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that it could not ban same-sex marriages without a compelling reason. Although same-sex marriages never took place in Hawaii, the ruling attracted national attention and sparked the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act in more than forty states. The federal Defense of Marriage Act ensured that no state would be forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. This law denies same-sex couples the privileges and benefits afforded to heterosexual couples under the law (Hatzenbuehler, McLaughlin, and Keyes 452). Voters, the judiciary, and voters have made sweeping changes to the issue of same-sex marriage through policy. Same-sex couples should be legalized in all states and enjoy the privileges and benefits afforded to heterosexual couples; due to its potential economic benefits, effect on institutional ethics, and health outcomes, but should be treated with caution due to its potential effects on offspring. Legalizing same-sex marriage will generate a significant amount of revenue for the local and national economy; marriage licenses, higher income taxes due to penalties, and a reduction in the cost of state benefit programs. O'Neil, Mallory and Badgett estimate that more than ten thousand same-sex couples will decide to marry within three years of legalization in Georgia. Same-sex residents...... middle of paper ......these marriages will provide access to social support and strengthen heterosexual marriages; same-sex couples will gain the right to benefit from physical and psychological health benefits linked to social support. This recognition will also alleviate the mental and emotional harm caused by discrimination against same-sex marriages. Same-sex marriages should be legalized because of the immense economic benefits they provide in wedding planning, tourism, and taxes on same-sex marriages. Recognition of same-sex marriage will also reduce the discrimination and stigma placed on same-sex relationships in several states. Section 2 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which allows states that prohibit same-sex marriages and discriminate against people of the same sex, should be removed or amended to increase the mobility of gay people and bisexuals inside the country..