When will same-sex marriage be legal in Mississippi?

Answer 1

This is a question that is best left up to the people of Mississippi. I personally feel that same-sex marriage should be legalized there. I feel more strongly, however, that my New York marriage should be recognized in Mississippi and that no state should be able to pick and choose what marriages they recognize. Mississippi recognizes all New York state marriages, except those that are between persons of the same sex. I feel that is discriminatory, but then again there is no law prohibiting sexual orientation discrimination in Mississippi.

Answer 2

On November 25, 2014, a federal District Court Judge ruled Mississippi's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, but temporarily stayed his decision for 14 days to allow time for an appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.

The 5th Circuit has already set a hearing date of January 9, 2015, in the appeal of similar rulings in Texas and Louisiana. If the 5th Circuit does not grant its own stay when the 14 days are up, then same-sex couples could conceivably begin marrying in Mississippi until a definitive ruling to the contrary.

If the 5th Circuit upholds the TX, LA and MS rulings, then same-sex marriages will begin in all 3 states. If the 5th Circuit reverses the rulings of the lower court, the matter will surely be appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

An analysis shows that public opinion in Mississippi should reach the tipping point by 2035, making this the last state to legalize same-sex marriage. Action by the US Supreme Court is likely to force legalization before then.

Answer 3

Almost. Although the United States Supreme Court ruled on June 26, 2015, that no US state or territory may deny same-sex couples their constitutional right to marry, the implementation of this decision is temporarily delayed in Mississippi for technical reasons.

Answer 4

On November 2, 2004, the state constitution of Mississippi was amended to ban same-sex marriage. That amendment was struck down as unconstitutional on November 25, 2014.

Answer 5

No. Only marriages are legal under Mississippi law. Even then, they have to be heterosexual. Civil unions, civil partnerships and domestic partnerships are not recognized.