8 Reasons Marriage Equality Matters

Why same-sex marriage nationwide is a very big deal.

#LoveWins - On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for states to ban same-sex marriage. Here is why that is kind of a big deal. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

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#LoveWins - On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional for states to ban same-sex marriage. Here is why that is kind of a big deal. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel (Photo: Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Some same-sex couples want to get married, too. - There is nothing inherent about same-sex couples that makes them any less excited about joining their lives in love, and they are just as much citizens as everyone else. Why should straight folks be the only ones allowed to buy gorgeous outfits, spend a ton of money getting their friends and family liquored up, do the Cha Cha Slide and pledge their love in front of their people? (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Some same-sex couples want to get married, too. - There is nothing inherent about same-sex couples that makes them any less excited about joining their lives in love, and they are just as much citizens as everyone else. Why should straight folks be the only ones allowed to buy gorgeous outfits, spend a ton of money getting their friends and family liquored up, do the Cha Cha Slide and pledge their love in front of their people? (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Married folks enjoy specific legal rights and benefits. - From hospital visitation to family leave to medical decision-making rights to tax deductions to social security survivor benefits, people who tie the knot are in a better position to care for each other, financially and otherwise. (Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd/Veer/Corbis)

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Married folks enjoy specific legal rights and benefits. - From hospital visitation to family leave to medical decision-making rights to tax deductions to social security survivor benefits, people who tie the knot are in a better position to care for each other, financially and otherwise. (Photo: Wavebreak Media Ltd/Veer/Corbis)

Because not too long ago, Black people couldn’t marry the person of their choice. - Until 1967, interracial marriage was illegal in many states and punishable by imprisonment. And before that, slaves were prevented from legally marrying, as they were not allowed to enter into civil contracts. Why enact laws to keep anyone from marrying whichever consenting adult they please? (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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Because not too long ago, Black people couldn’t marry the person of their choice. - Until 1967, interracial marriage was illegal in many states and punishable by imprisonment. And before that, slaves were prevented from legally marrying, as they were not allowed to enter into civil contracts. Why enact laws to keep anyone from marrying whichever consenting adult they please? (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Discrimination sucks. - Relegating same-sex couples to civil unions is effectively treating them like second-class citizens governed by a different set of rules. Plus, civil unions are only protected in the state where they are granted and are not recognized federally or intrastate. (Photo: Human Rights Campaign)

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Discrimination sucks. - Relegating same-sex couples to civil unions is effectively treating them like second-class citizens governed by a different set of rules. Plus, civil unions are only protected in the state where they are granted and are not recognized federally or intrastate. (Photo: Human Rights Campaign)

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Research shows it strengthens relationships. - A study from the University of Massachusetts found that married same-sex partners reported an increased commitment and sense of responsibility, believed their children were better protected and more stable and felt that their families and communities were more accepting of their unions. (Photo: Laura Doss/Corbis)

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Research shows it strengthens relationships. - A study from the University of Massachusetts found that married same-sex partners reported an increased commitment and sense of responsibility, believed their children were better protected and more stable and felt that their families and communities were more accepting of their unions. (Photo: Laura Doss/Corbis)

Denying rights breeds prejudice. - When a group is denied the same rights as everyone else, it fosters an attitude that its members are not worthy of the same respect and consideration as the whole. Prejudice and discrimination aren’t far behind. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Denying rights breeds prejudice. - When a group is denied the same rights as everyone else, it fosters an attitude that its members are not worthy of the same respect and consideration as the whole. Prejudice and discrimination aren’t far behind. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

It influences mental health. - Studies have uncovered a direct link between same-sex marriage bans and increased levels of anxiety and stress, decreased self esteem and a jump in mental and physical health issues. (Photo: Keith Berson/Corbis)

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It influences mental health. - Studies have uncovered a direct link between same-sex marriage bans and increased levels of anxiety and stress, decreased self esteem and a jump in mental and physical health issues. (Photo: Keith Berson/Corbis)

It strengthens marriage across the board. - Statistics show that in states where same-sex marriage has been legal for a relatively long time, divorce rates have decreased. (Photo: Hill Street Studios / Getty Images)

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It strengthens marriage across the board. - Statistics show that in states where same-sex marriage has been legal for a relatively long time, divorce rates have decreased. (Photo: Hill Street Studios / Getty Images)