Just like other minority groups in the U.S. over history, gays are facing a similar struggle with equal rights, especially the right to marry. As of Feb. 14, 2012, gay marriage is allowed in seven U.S. states (MA, CT, IA, VT, NH, NY, and WA - effective June 7, 2012) and the District of Columbia. 30 states currently have constitutional amendments banning gay marriage. According to the 2000 Census, there are 594,391 gay couples in America. Though this may seem like a huge number, it comprises only 3.8% of the total population making this population of Americans a minority.