Marriage equality refers to the legal recognition of marriage between individuals regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. This means that same-sex couples have the same legal rights and responsibilities as opposite-sex couples when it comes to marriage. The movement for marriage equality aims to eliminate discrimination and promote equal treatment under the law. In many countries, marriage equality has been achieved through legislation or court rulings, allowing same-sex couples to marry and enjoy benefits such as tax breaks, inheritance rights, and access to healthcare. Notable milestones include the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in the United States.