In 2013, three states joined in legalizing same-sex marriage. California is once again allowing same-sex unions after the California Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was unconstitutional. Hawaii was added to the list after a long period of hopes and dreams for many. The paradise state was one of the first to claim it would legalize same-sex marriage and ultimately succeeded. The most recent addition to this revolution, however, is Illinois, which is the sixteenth state to announce legalization. The state will begin recognizing same-sex unions in June 2014. Same-sex marriage is becoming more common in today's society as more states have legalized same-sex unions. In 2004, when Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriage, it ignited a firestorm that led 15 other states to do the same. Over the past decade, this controversial topic has gained exponential support, and many members of the new generation of Americans are more accepting of it than previous generations. However, there are still many supporters of anti-gay marriage laws who oppose 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. This is why same-sex marriage should be legal. The government should not decide who can marry because anti-gay laws are unconstitutional and a violation of civil rights. The ongoing war between the two sides of the issue may never end, but 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 document ...... and has been advocating change for a decade. Women in the 20th century were treated unfairly and their rights were violated, just like homosexuals are today. Denying someone the opportunity to marry is a violation of their civil rights. As we saw earlier this year when the Supreme Court ruled that DOMA was unconstitutional, same-sex marriage should be recognized at all state and federal levels. Regardless of what anti-gay advocates say, gay rights are being trampled upon, just as the rights of others have been in recent decades. The traditions we were once accustomed to change every year and the American people become less strict about them. Since American values ​​are evolving regarding marriage, the government should authorize the union of same-sex couples since prohibiting these marriages is unconstitutional..