Gay marriage and divorce rates

Following the legalization of same-sex unions across numerous states, the dissolution of these legal bonds has become apparent. Administrative records from two states indicate an average annual rate of 1.1% for same-sex marital terminations, increasing to 1.6% when a broader spectrum of union types is considered. This rate presents a slightly lower figure compared to the divorce rates of heterosexual couples.

States with varying degrees of same-sex couple recognition exhibit different approaches to relationship dissolution. Where marriage is sanctioned, same-sex couples can terminate their unions via divorce proceedings. Conversely, in situations involving comparable legal statuses, such as civil unions and domestic partnerships, the process usually entails a dissolution procedure analogous to divorce. Limited recognition statuses typically necessitate a formal notice of termination filed with the state authorities. Some states' administrative bodies maintain detailed records of terminations amongst same-sex couples.

In early 2014, the Williams Institute compiled administrative data on marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships involving same-sex couples across the 23 states offering such recognition during the data collection period. Divorce statistics were only available from New Hampshire and Vermont. Civil union and domestic partnership terminations were reported by six jurisdictions: California, the District of Columbia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Washington, and Wisconsin.

A review of New Hampshire and Vermont data reveals that roughly 5.4% of New Hampshire same-sex couples and 3.6% of Vermont same-sex couples experienced a marital dissolution within their first four years of marriage. This translates to an average annual rate of 1.1% for these two states. This figure sits below the annual average divorce rate of heterosexual unions, which approximates 2%.

Analyses of civil union and domestic partnership dissolution data also demonstrate a lower rate of termination compared to heterosexual divorce rates. Across the six states providing this data, the average dissolution rate for non-marital relationships stood at 1.7% annually.

Consequently, the overall average termination rate for all types of same-sex legal unions in these eight states averages 1.6% annually.