What is the legal definition of marriage?

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In the original statutes of marriage in the US, it was allowed between a husband and any number of wives. Interracial marriage was forbidden. Divorce was forbidden in almost all circumstances. Contraception was forbidden between married couples. The wife automatically took the surname of the husband. Ownership of property belonging to a woman was automatically transferred to her husband. Married women were forbidden to work in most, if not all occupations.

In 1862, marriage was defined as non-plural, i.e. between two and only two individuals. It was federally enforced in 1879 and upheld by the US Supreme Court.

In 1907 women acquired the nationality of their husbands upon marriage.

This was the only way alien women could attain citizenship until 1933.

Until 1948, interracial couples could not marry at all. This year they could only in California. Only in 1967 would interracial marriages be recognized nationwide.

Until 1965, married couples could not use contraception.

Until 1969, divorce was allowed only on grounds of misconduct (i.e. adultery). At this point only California allowed no-fault divorces.

Until 1975, married women were not allowed to have credit in their own name.

In 1976, married woman were allowed to terminate a pregnancy without her husband's consent.

In 1993, marital rape is a crime throughout the US.

In 1996, President Clinton signs DoMA into law.

In 2004, Massachusetts allowed same-sex couples to marry, if they lived in Massachusetts.

In 2008, California allowed same-sex couples to marry, regardless of their state of origin.

At the end of 2008, California voters took away the right for same-sex couples to marry. This was upheld in the California Supreme Court in May of 2009.

Presently (as of October 2008), marriage is nationally defined as between one man and one woman, though some states acknowledge same-sex marriages. (Still, only Massachusetts and Iowa will marry same sex couples.) Couples may marry regardless of races or religion. Non-married couples may legally co-habitate and have sex and anyone may use contraception. Property and rights of women are independent of their married status, including the right to work, to terminate a pregnancy, or to not consent to sex. No-fault divorce is commonly available. Most states allow for the marriage of cousins. Newly married couples are allowed to choose who takes what name. Women can be naturalized through other means than marriage.

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First answer by ID1190294245. Last edit by Mfalber. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].