New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize same-sex marriage on Sept. 27 and three more states will soon reach a decision.

New Mexico was previously the only state to remain neutral on the subject, having no law on the issue. Now the New Mexico Supreme Court is ready to make a decision, according to an article in the New York Times. Hawaii State Legislature held a special session to debate a same-sex marriage bill on Oct. 28, and a similar bill is pending in Illinois, according to the state legislators’ websites. Both bills state that marriage, regardless of whether it is same-sex or opposite-sex, will be treated equally under the law, and spouses will receive equal state benefits and protections.

Marriages spike after Supreme Court decision

There is estimated to be over 70,000 legal same-sex marriages currently in the United States, according to a June 26, 2013 Pew Research Center report.

As of Oct. 30, the Los Angeles County’s Norwalk and other field offices have issued 7,415 marriage licenses for both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages since July 2013, said Regina Ip, media and communications spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Recorder and County Clerk. During the same time period in 2012, Los Angeles County issued 5,278 marriage licenses.

Additionally, civil ceremonies performed increased by 167 percent between the periods of July to October in 2012 and 2013. Though issuing of marriage licenses is gender-blind, it is speculated that the increase in marriages is related to the Supreme Court’s overturning of Proposition 8 on June 26, Ip said.

“It is probably safe to assume the influx is due to same-sex couples,” Ip said.

Students unaware

While other states approach decisions, almost a quarter of the 50 states allow same-sex marriage. As legalization spreads, the majority of Biola students are unaware of the move toward nationwide legalization. Out of 24 students interviewed, none of them knew how many states had legalized same-sex marriage. Most of the students were surprised to learn the number of states had reached 14.    

Potential federal ruling

Up until this point same-sex marriage has been an issue decided by individual state legislation, but it could become a federal case. On June 26, the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. This was the first step on the federal level towards the legalization of same-sex marriage.

“This issue could become less of a state issue and more of a federal issue if the federal courts start moving,” said Scott Waller, assistant professor of political science.