Gays and marriage.

• Position: Trends And Transitions - Brief Article

It's stirring controversy and conversation all over the country. The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that same sex marriages are allowable under the state Constitution has many states re-examining the issue and their laws. Here's where states stand.

2 The number of states that offer certified civil unions (domestic partnerships) to gays and lesbians.

CALIFORNIA, VERMONT

7 The number of states that introduced legislation to create domestic partnerships in 2003.

CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, ILLINOIS, MASSACHUSEITS, NEW MEXICO, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND

9 The number of states that introduced legislation to legalize gay marriage in 2003.

COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, HAWAII, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND, TEXAS, WASHINGTON

37 The number of states with defense of marriage acts.

ALABAMA, ALASKA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, DELAWARE, FLORIDA...