VERMONT
When will gay marriage go into effect? Sept. 1, 2009
Residency requirement? None.
Other requirements: Couples can apply for their license with any town clerk in the state. A license is $45 and valid for 60 days with no mandatory waiting period. No witness is necessary. Under no circumstance can a person under the age of 16 marry, which seems like a good thing to us. If you are between the ages of 16-18, you must get a signature from a legal guardian or parent.
What about civil unions? In 2000, Vermont, under then-Governor Howard Dean, was the first state to legalize civil unions between same-sex couples. Existing civil unions in Vermont will be recognized, and couples in civil unions will have the option of entering a marriage, but no new civil unions will be permitted in Vermont after Sept. 1, 2009.
MAINE
When will gay marriage law go into effect? Sept. 15, 2009
Residency requirement? None.
Other requirements: Couples must declare their "intentions of marriage," a document that has to be signed in front of an official authorized to take oaths. That notice, which must include the couples' social security numbers that remain confidential, has to be filed with a county clerk and be available for public inspection. That will cost you $30 cash. Maine's law specifically allows religious institutions to refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies if they wish.
Cogent quote: Gov. John E. Baldacci, upon signing into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom: "In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions," Governor Baldacci said. "I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage. This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs... Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State. It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine's civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government."
NEW HAMPSHIRE
When will gay marriage law go into effect? Jan. 1, 2010
Residency requirement: None.
Other requirements? If you are under 25 you might need to verify your age with a copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 18, you must get parental consent AND a judicial waiver. Boys must be at least 14 years old and girls must be at least 13 years old. (!) When you apply for your license, you must provide a photo ID and your SSN to the city clerk's office. There is no waiting period before licensed couples can get married; licenses are valid for 90 days and will cost at least $45. Non-resident clergy need a license from the Secretary of State.
The fine print: "Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples," said Democratic Governor John Lynch on signing gay marriage into law. But he did so only after insisting that the legislature add language protecting the right of clergy and religious institutions to decline to marry same-sex couples.
Gay marriage in Canada
Same sex couples from America can marry in Canada. You need a license, an authorized person to perform the ceremony and TWO witnesses. The license and ceremony processes differ depending on the region and whether or not the ceremony is civil or religious. If you are already married you must get divorced before entering another marriage in Canada. If you marry in Canada, your marriage will be recognized by Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut and New York. Other states vary and so does the respect you will receive from the government. Getting married in Canada does NOT allow you to sponsor your spouse for U.S. citizenship.
Other countries where same-sex marriage is legal
Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain and Sweden allow same-sex couples to marry, but most have requirements that make the process difficult for non-citizens.
U.S. states with potential for legalizing gay marriage or instating civil unions
D.C.
Illinois
Maryland
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Rhode Island
Washington
U.S. states that allow domestic partnerships
California
District of Columbia
Hawaii (reciprocal beneficiary relationships - limited rights)
New Jersey
Nevada
Oregon
Washington - limited rights