The federal government is recognizing gay marriage in six additional states, and those couples can receive federal benefits.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced the states as Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, North Carolina, West Virginia and Wyoming.
This brings the total number of states with federal recognition to 32, plus the District of Columbia.
Couples married in these states will qualify for a range of federal benefits, including Social Security and veterans' benefits.
Holder says the Justice Department also has determined it can legally recognize gay marriages in Indiana and Wisconsin after federal courts declared state marriage bans unconstitutional.