Research clearly shows that preventing gay and lesbian couples from getting married leads to negative side effects

Minnesota passes a marriage bill, bringing the total to 12 states with the freedom to marry. Time's running out for Illinois. And even with public support for marriage soaring, numerous states may be stuck with marriage bans for years to come.

Nine years ago today gay and lesbian couples were able to get married in the United States for the first time ever. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued the nation’s first marriage equality victory

The California Supreme Court struck down a state law banning marriage for gay and lesbian couples. The ruling was the most historic and sweeping decision of its kind to date.

Momentum is building rapidly across the nation in advance of a Supreme Court decision on the Prop. 8 case, with Minnesota becoming the third state in two weeks to recognize marriage equality.

The bill now advances to Governor Mark Dayton, a champion of the legislation, who plans to sign the bill into law as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, May 14.

More victories as a marriage bill clears hurdles in Minnesota. And there's progress appears likely in neighboring states as well. But soon, constitutional amendments in 30 states could delay any further success for years to come.

The sons of Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, one of the couples challenging California’s Prop. 8 this year, wrote a letter to both their moms for this special day.

Tom Stier, the oldest son of Sandy Stier and stepson of Kris Perry, talks commemorates Mother's Day.

The Minnesota House passes marriage equality legislation 75-59. The bill now heads to the State Senate.