Timeline to the Prop. 8 ruling

1993: Hawaii Supreme Court requires states to show "compelling" reason to ban same-sex marriage, orders lower court to hear case.

1995: Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt signs the first Defense of Marriage Act. It says Utah doesn't have to recognize same-sex marriages from out of state.

1996: The federal Defense of Marriage becomes law, allowing states to ban same-sex marriage and refuse to recognize those performed elsewhere.

1998: Alaska Superior Court judge rules same-sex couples may marry but stays the decision pending appeals. Hawaii voters approve a state constitutional amendment that allows its legislature to define marriage. Alaska voters approve a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

1999: Alaska Supreme Court rules that 1998 constitutional amendment bars same-sex couples from marrying. Vermont Supreme Court rules state Constitution allows same-sex couples the same rights to marriage as heterosexual couples, but allows Legislature to decide how to implement rights, benefits, to same-sex couples.

2000: Vermont's civil union bill makes it the first state to legally recognize same-sex couples. Nebraska voters approve constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

2001: Seven same-sex Massachusetts couples sue for the right to marry.

2002: Nevada voters complete required two-election-cycle vote for constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

2003: Massachusetts' highest court rules state constitution guarantees equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.