Does the US recognize gay and lesbian marriages performed in international waters?

Answer 1

Yes. Even though Washington DC didn't begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses until December 18, 2009 and the state constitution of California banned same-sex marriage beginning November 5, 2008, the state of California does recognize Washington DC same-sex marriages as "legal unions" pursuant to sections (a) and (c) of the California Family Code Section 308 and provides them with all the same rights and responsibilities as a legal marriage, except that they are not legally called "marriages."

California Family Code Section 308

(a) A marriage contracted outside this state that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a marriage between two persons of the same sex contracted outside this state that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted is valid in this state if the marriage was contracted prior to November 5, 2008.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, two persons of the same sex who contracted a marriage on or after November 5, 2008, that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they derive from the California Constitution, the United States Constitution, statutes, administrative regulations, court rules, government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses with the sole exception of the designation of "marriage."

Answer 2

The 1996 federal law entitled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) defines a legal marriage as a union between one man and one woman and thus excludes all forms of same sex marriage. As same-sex marriages performed legally within many of the states within the United States are not recognized by the federal government, neither will those performed outside the United States be recognized federally.

Answer 3

As of now, it will soon be up for a vote. It looks like Washington DC will allow gay marriages, as well as recognize gay marriages that took place in other states.

Answer 4

Yes. Beginning October 6, 2014, all out-of-state same-sex marriages are valid under Wisconsin state law.