According to definitions.uslegal.com same-sex marriage is also known as gay marriage or a homosexual marriage. This kind of marriage is a ceremonial union of two people of the same sex; a marriage or marriage-like relationship between two women or two men. The United States government and most other American states do not recognise such marriages, even if legally contracted. Therefore, couples do not acquire the legal status of spouses, yet they have successfully challenged the laws against same-sex marriage.