,,The Effects of Marriage Equality in Massachusetts: A survey of the experiences and impact of marriage on same-sex couples

The Effects of Marriage Equality in Massachusetts: A survey of the experiences and impact of marriage on same-sex couples


 

Publication Date: May 2009

Publisher:

Author(s): M.V. Lee Badgett; Naomi G. Goldberg; Christopher Ramos

Research Area: Social conditions

Keywords: marriage; same-sex couples

Type: Report

Coverage: Massachusetts

Abstract:

May 17th, 2009 marks the 5th year of marriage equality in the state of Massachusetts. To mark this anniversary, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted the largest survey to date of married same-sex couples, the Health and Marriage Equality in Massachusetts (HMEM) survey. During the past year, four other states have extended marriage to same-sex couples and several other states are considering marriage legislation. The HMEM data allows us to address important questions that arise as other states consider whether to extend marriage to same-sex couples. The data provides answers to several key questions: Who is getting married? Why are same-sex couples getting married? What impact has marriage had on same-sex relationships? And, what impact has marriage had on the children of same-sex couples?