In 2013, three states banded together to legalize same-sex marriage. California once again allows same-sex couples to unionize after the California Supreme Court ruled that the Marriage Act (DOMA) defense was unconstitutional. Hawaii was added to the list after a long time, fueling the hopes and dreams of many. The paradise state was one of the first to support the legalization of same-sex marriage and ultimately succeeded. The most recent addition to this revolution, however, is Illinois, which is the sixteenth state to announce its legalization. The state will begin recognizing homosexual unions in June 2014. Same-sex marriage is becoming more and more common in today's society as more and more states have legalized the union of homosexual individuals. In 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriage, it sparked a firestorm that led 15 other states to do the same. Over the past decade the controversial topic has gained exponential support, and many people in the new generation of Americans are more tolerant than previous generations. However, there are still many supporters of anti-same-sex marriage laws who are against these new changes in American society. Traditions are changing and the American way of life is no longer the same as it was fifty years ago, which is why same-sex marriage should be legal. The government should not decide who can marry because anti-gay laws are unconstitutional and violate civil rights. The ongoing war between both sides of the issue may never subside, however the many states that have changed their laws have revolutionized the way the issue is viewed from a legal perspective. In 2009, the California Supreme Court ruled… middle of paper… and they have supported the change for the past decade. Women in the 20th century were treated unfairly and their rights were violated just as homosexuals are today. Denying someone the opportunity to marry is a violation of their civil rights. As seen earlier this year, when the Supreme Court ruled that DOMA was unconstitutional, same-sex marriage should be recognized at all state levels and at the federal level. Regardless of what anti-gay advocates say, gay rights are being violated just as the rights of others have been violated in decades past. The traditions we were once accustomed to change every year, and the American people are becoming less strict towards them. Since American values ​​are changing at the marriage level, the government should allow same-sex unions since banning these marriages is unconstitutional.