Stephanie Coontz : Since first same-sex marriage state , U.S. attitudes have changed fast . Until the late 1970s , husbands -- but not wives -- were legally obliged to support their families , while wives -- but not husbands -- were legally obliged to perform services ( including providing sex ) in the home . Number of Americans living where gay marriage legal will likely soon reach 60 % , she says . Coontz : More high profile gays in culture ; plus civil rights movement is gaining steam. Coontz : Big shifts in concept of equality in heterosexual marriage also helped clear path .
Stephanie Coontz : Since first same-sex marriage state , U.S. attitudes have changed fast . Number of Americans living where gay marriage legal will likely soon reach 60 % , she says . Coontz : More high profile gays in culture ; plus civil rights movement is gaining steam. Coontz : Big shifts in concept of equality in heterosexual marriage also helped clear path .