More than 1 in 10 Americans live where same - sex marriage is or will be legal . Some counties in New Mexico have begun allowing same-sex marriage . Hawaii and Illinois are the latest with Hawaii 's law taking effect next year . 16 states and territories have legal same - sex marriage ; others ban it , except New Mexico . Public support for it has increased since 1996 to 50 % of Americans .
More than 1 in 10 Americans live where same - sex marriage is or will be legal . Hawaii and Illinois are the latest with Hawaii 's law taking effect next year . 16 states and territories have legal same - sex marriage ; others ban it , except New Mexico . Public support for it has increased since 1996 to 50 % of Americans .