2013: Marriage equality was contagious

From legislative wins to judicial victories, 2013 has been a banner year for gay rights.

From legislative wins to judicial victories, 2013 has been a banner year for gay rights.

Before this year, gay marriage was legal in eight states and the District of Columbia. Now, as 2013 draws to a close, 10 additional states have opened the door to marriage equality.

The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in June, which barred the federal government from recognizing married gay couples’ rights. The high court also cleared the way for gay marriage to resume in California, by ruling on the state’s gay marriage ban known as Proposition 8.

Here are scenes from the states.