The legality of same-sex marriage in the United States is a contentious subject. In the past few years the pro-marriage side has made a lot of progress, with the same-sex marriage states now numbering 35. The same-sex marriage debate polarizes opinion, and both sides have many supporters in the U.S.

• The same-sex marriage debate generally rests on the balance between traditional family roles and freedom of expression. Same-sex marriage arguments generally are founded on basic disagreements about the way the world works, making it a contentious issue.
• With homosexuality increasingly accepted in the United States, same-sex marriage is a key issue in the 21st century. It is now gathering steam as a social movement. Being informed about the developments in same sex-marriage, and having an opinion on its legality, is pivotal to knowledge of current events.