Marriage is a personal relationship between a man and a woman arising out of a civil contract to which the consent of the parties is essential. Legal status of same-sex unions. Legal status for unmarried persons which is identical or substantially similar to marital status shall not be valid or recognized in Arkansas, except that the legislature may recognize a common law marriage from another state between a man and a woman.
Neither performed nor recognized in Niue, Tokelau or the Cook Islands. Matt Pierce, a Democrat, said in defense of the amendment. Clerk of Court August 21, Same-sex couples who want to hold a religious wedding ceremony will still face obstacles as many religious institutions will not preform gay marriages.
March 31, Performed statewide in 18 states and Mexico Cityin certain municipalities in three other states, and recognized by all states in such cases. Same-sex marriage is supported by both of the state's U. Retrieved January 23, Judge Hartman's decision in Colorado ex rel.
Suthers persuaded the clerk in Pueblo to stop issuing the licenses. Degree of recognition unknown. Sheena Kadi, One Colorado. More in News.
Main article: Same-sex marriage in Missouri. No official or court of the state of Louisiana shall recognize any marriage contracted in any other jurisdiction which is not the union of one man and one woman. The U. A person authorized to join persons in marriage and who fails or refuses to join persons in marriage is not subject to any fine or other penalty for such failure or refusal.
Performed statewide in 18 states and Mexico City , in certain municipalities in three other states, and recognized by all states in such cases. May — The governor of Maine legalizes same-sex marriage but voters shoot down the law at the November polls.