Thanks to Jan S.​ for this chart of the progression of so called traditional marriage here.

Jan S. (Khaya) originally shared:
Many people who oppose gay marriage justify their bigotry with a supposed concern for “traditional” marriage. I’d like to take a moment to share some facts with those folks, because ignorance can do great harm.

• In 1691, traditional marriage meant only white people could legally get married. I don’t mean interracial marriage was illegal, I mean even marriage within races other than Caucasian wasn’t recognized by the legal system (so like two black people couldn’t get married).

This changed in 1724, when black people were finally allowed to marry… but only with permission from their slave owner.

• In 1769, traditional marriage meant that wives were considered property of their husbands.

• In 1899, traditional marriage changed when polygamy was outlawed.

• In 1900, wives were allowed to own property in their own right for the first time.

• In 1965, married couples were permitted to use contraception.

• In 1967, traditional marriage experienced a big change when interracial marriage was legalized.

• In 1975, wives could have credit in their own name.

• In 1981, the husband no longer owned all the property by default.

• And it wasn’t until 1993 that marital rape was outlawed.

So, now that you know a little more about what marriage has traditionally been in this nation, do you still think it’s a valid excuse for denying gay couples the right to marry?