Mississippi

Relationship Recognition Information

Statewide Relationship Recognition
no Licenses marriages for same-sex couples.
no Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions.
no Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None.

  • 2004 The state’s constitution was amended to say “Marriage may take place and may be valid under the laws of This state only between a man and a woman. A marriage in another state or foreign jurisdiction between persons of the same gender, regardless of when the marriage took place, may not be recognized in This state and is void and unenforceable under the laws of This state.”
  • 1997 Mississippi prohibits marriage between same-sex couples by statute. See Miss. Code § 93-1-1.2.

Employment Information

Statewide Employment Protections
no Private employment protections based on sexual orientation.
no Private employment protections based on gender identity.
no Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation.
- Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity.

Parenting Information

Statewide Parenting Laws
Who May Adopt nmarried adult or married persons jointly. Same-sex couples expressly prohibited from adopting. Miss. Code § 93-17-3.
Second Parent Adoptions Not yet permitted.
Notes Adverse consideration of gay or lesbian orientation is permitted in custody disputes, but cannot be sole factor. See Morris v. Morris, 783 So.2d 681 (Miss. 2001)

Cases

In re Judge Connie Glenn Wilkerson
Complaint arguing that an antigay judge in Mississippi violated the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct

Rowell v. Rowell
Case arguing against a custody arrangement that is contingent on the children being blocked from seeing their HIV positive aunt

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