In many places in the world, [same-sex marriage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage) is becoming legal and recognized.

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> Same-sex marriage, also known as gay marriage, is marriage between people of the same sex, either as a secular civil ceremony or in a religious setting.
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With this growing trend, it's becoming increasingly possible that someone in a same-sex marriage could convert to Islam.

**Question**: If someone in a same-sex marriage converts to Islam, what do they need to do?

(Or, in other words, what is the roadmap in going from "non-Muslim in same-sex marriage" to "good Muslim"?)

Perhaps getting a (legal) divorce would be required, but this strikes me as unwelcoming and may deter people from accepting Allah in their life (which is of far greater importance). Islam is also against [severing ties of kinship](http://en.islamway.net/article/11913/no-person-severs-ties-of-kinship-would-enter-paradise). Converts are generally considered to have their past sins erased, and I'm unsure how this enters the picture.

For those who end up getting a divorce, divorces are not instantaneous, so, for a period of time, the person would be Muslim and in a same-sex marriage. Then there are matters of [tawba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawba) (repentance) to consider. Moreover, this legal marriage would interfere if that person wished to seek an opposite-sex marriage.

(I understand some people have strong opinions on this matter; let's keep this civil please.)