Same-sex marriage in Georgia (U.S. state)

Recognized Same-sex marriage has been legal in the U.S. state of Georgia since the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges on June 26, 2015.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Larry Salmon ruled against the couple on January 30, 2001, finding that a civil union could not be recognized in Georgia as equivalent to a marriage.

Governor Sonny Perdue said, "The people of Georgia knew exactly what they were doing when an overwhelming 76 percent voted in support of this constitutional amendment.

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled in Obergfell v. Hodges that the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee same-sex couples the right to marry.

[15] Emma Foulkes and Petrina Bloodworth were the first same-sex couple to marry in Georgia just one hour after the Supreme Court's ruling.

"[16] Jeff Graham, the executive director of Georgia Equality, issued the following statement: "The United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the freedom to marry across the nation.

"[17] Christie and Kindra Baer, a couple for 13 years, were the first to receive a marriage license in Savannah,[18] and Moriah Martin and Jordyn Dolente were the first to marry in Athens just after 2 p.m. at the Clarke County Courthouse.

In the words of our founder and my mother, Coretta Scott King, 'The Civil Rights Movement that I believe in thrives on unity and inclusion, not division and exclusion.

'"[19] State Senator Vincent Fort said the decision was "a victory not just for the LGBT community but for all Americans who believe in justice", and Rob Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta, said, "In the days ahead, whatever your position, I ask you to keep close to your heart and lips the words of scripture, that "God is love."

"[19] Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 by the U.S. Supreme Court, several state lawmakers expressed concern that Obergefell could be at risk.

Representative Sam Park said, "The same-sex marriage ban is still on the books, and my understanding is that it would go into effect if the Supreme Court overturns the Obergefell opinion."

Governor Brian Kemp said he continued to personally oppose same-sex marriage but that "Dobbs' majority opinion states that Obergefell is settled".