Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

The 32 countries around the world where same-sex marriage is legal<!-- wp:html --><p>People demonstrate for the legalization of gay marriage and parenting on December 16, 2012 in Paris, France.</p> <p class="copyright">Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images</p> <p>There are currently 32 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry.<br /> The latest country to pass legislation was Slovenia, which did so on October 4, 2022.<br /> Most countries have legalized same-sex marriage via legislation, but some were through court decisions. <br /> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</p> <p>People fighting for same-sex marriage rights around the world have seen global support increase in recent years. Australia, <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/malta-gay-marriage-same-sex-vote-passes-approval-a7838121.html">Malta,</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/01/world/europe/gay-marriage-germany.html">Germany</a> legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/taiwan-legalizes-same-sex-marriage-gay-lgbt-2019-5">Taiwan made history in 2019</a>, becoming the first government in Asia to welcome legislation on marriage equality. </p> <p>Slovenia became the first post-communist country to legalize it on October 4, 2022, after the Constitutional Court of Slovenia overturned a prior ban on same-sex marriages in July, arguing that it violated the country's constitution. The court gave the Slovenian government six months to pass legislation to rectify it. </p> <p>"With these changes, we are recognizing the rights of same-sex couples that they should have had for a long time," State Secretary Simon Maljevac told lawmakers at the time. </p> <p>There are currently only 32 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry.</p> <p>Keep scrolling to read the full list:</p> <div> <div class="slide">1. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriages.Revelers on a boat parade the Prinsengracht canal participating in the Amsterdam Canal Parade during Amsterdam Gay Pride on August 2, 2014 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. <p class="copyright">Jasper Juinen/Getty Images</p> <p>The legislation gave same-sex couples the right to marry, divorce, and adopt children. </p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gay-marriage-goes-dutch/">CBS News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">2. Belgium followed suit in 2003 and granted equal rights to same-sex married couples.Wedding conducted by Lord Mayor Willy Demeyer in Leige, Belgium on July 13, 2013. <p class="copyright">flamenc/Creative Commons</p> <p>Beginning in 1998, the Belgian parliament offered limited rights to same-sex couples through registered partnerships. In 2003, the parliament legally recognized same-sex marriages.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2016/jan/24/a-history-of-same-sex-unions-in-europe">The Guardian</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">3. In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.Spectators watch along Yonge Street, at the annual Pride Festival parade, July 3, 2016, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. <p class="copyright">Ian Willms/Getty Images</p> <p>In 1999, some provincial governments extended common law marriages to gay and lesbian couples, providing them with most of the legal benefits of marriage but laws varied across the country.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/timeline-same-sex-rights-in-canada-1.1147516">CBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">4. Also in 2005, a closely divided Spanish parliament agreed to do the same.A reveler dressed with a gay pride flag walks the streets next to Cibeles Square before the Pride Parade during the Madrid Gay Pride Festival on June 29, 2016, in Madrid, Spain. <p class="copyright">Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images</p> <p>The law guaranteed identical rights to all married couples regardless of sexual orientation.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/01/world/europe/spain-legalizes-gay-marriage-law-is-among-the-most-liberal.html?mtrref=www.google.com.au&gwh=1584959FA37C529ACDFBB1179974E5E7&gwt=pay">New York Times</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">5. After South Africa's highest court ruled the country's marriage laws violated the constitution’s guarantee of equal rights, parliament legalized same-sex marriage in 2006.Lesbian Angels march at the Gay Pride in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 7, 2006. <p class="copyright">Lesbian Angels/Creative Commons</p> <p>Exemptions were also included in the new marriage law. Both religious institutions and civil officers could refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15714036/ns/world_news-africa/t/south-africa-legalize-gay-marriage/#.Wg4N-0qWaUk">NBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">6. In 1993 Norway allowed gay couples to enter civil unions, but it took until 2008 for a Norway to pass a gender-neutral marriage law.A fjord in Norway, with the Norwegian flag in the foreground, October 14 206. <p class="copyright">Graeme Maclean/Creative Commons</p> <p>In January 2009, the bill was enacted into law, and gay couples were legally granted the right to marry, adopt children and receive artificial insemination.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/25218048/ns/world_news-europe/t/norway-passes-law-approving-gay-marriage/#.Wg4OiEqWaUk">NBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">7. In 2009, Sweden voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.A pride flag waves on Saint James Church in Stockholm, Sweden, December 26, 2010. <p class="copyright">Sergey Ashmarin/Creative Commons</p> <p>The bill passed with 261 votes in favor, 22 votes against and had 16 abstentions.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7978495.stm">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">8. Iceland's parliament voted unanimously to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010.LGBT pride march in Reykjavik, Iceland, in August 2004. <p class="copyright">Henna/Creative Commons</p> <p>Iceland's then-Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir married her longtime partner Jonina Leosdottir as the law came into effect.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/iceland/7858150/Iceland-PM-weds-as-gay-marriage-legalised.html">The Telegraph</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">9. Portugal has also allowed same-sex marriage since 2010, after legislation was originally challenged by the country's president.A woman carries a flag during the LGBT march in Lisbon, Portugal, June 18, 2016. <p class="copyright">Pedro/Creative Commons</p> <p>Portugal had passed a measure legalizing same-sex marriage in February of 2010, but Portugal's former president, Anibal Cavaco Silva, asked the Constitutional Court to review the measure. In April 2010, the Constitutional Court declared the law to be constitutionally valid.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jan/08/portugal-parliament-legalise-gay-marriage">The Guardian</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">10. In 2010, Argentina became the first Latin American country to allow same-sex marriage.LGBT Pride Marcha del Orgullo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 7, 2009. <p class="copyright">Beatrice Murch/Creative Commons</p> <p>Prior to the same-sex marriage law, a number of local jurisdictions, including the nation's capital, Buenos Aires, had enacted laws allowing gays and lesbians to enter into civil unions.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/15/argentina-gay-lesbian-marriage-legalisation">The Guardian</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">11. Denmark's legalization came in 2012 after Queen Margrethe II gave her royal assent to the proposed legislation.The Danish National Association of Gays & Lesbians at Copenhagen's LGBT Pride March in 2009. <p class="copyright">Ankara/Creative Commons</p> <p>Denmark was the first country to allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners in 1989.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18363157">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">12. Uruguay passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage in 2013.Uruguay fans celebrate as Uruguay scores their first goal against England as seen on the screen set up at Word Cup FIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana beach June 19, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. <p class="copyright">Joe Raedle/Getty Images</p> <p>Civil unions have been permitted in Uruguay <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/27/uruguay.gays/index.html">since 2008</a>, and in 2009 gay and lesbian couples were given adoption rights.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-22102740">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">13. In 2013, New Zealand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific to legislate for same-sex marriage.Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler walk down the aisle after being married at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, on August 19, 2013, in Wellington, New Zealand. <p class="copyright">Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images</p> <p>The law won approval by a 77-44 margin in the country's legislature, which included support from former Prime Minister John Key.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/04/17/new-zealand-legalises-gay-marriage">SBS News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">14. President Francois Hollande signed a measure legalizing marriage equality in France in 2013.People demonstrate for the legalization of gay marriage on December 16, 2012, in Paris, France. <p class="copyright">Antoine Antoniol/Getty Images</p> <p>Hollande's signature had to wait until a court challenge brought by the conservative opposition party, the UMP, was resolved. France's highest court, the Constitutional Council, ruled that the bill was constitutional.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/may/18/french-same-sex-marriage-francois-hollande">The Guardian</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">15. Brazil’s National Council of Justice ruled that same-sex couples should not be denied marriage licenses in 2013, allowing same-sex marriages to begin across the country.Drag queens Sara and Nina perform during an LGBT protest held inside the city council on May 16, 2017, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. <p class="copyright">Mario Tama/Getty Images</p> <p>Prior to the law, only some of Brazil's 27 jurisdictions had allowed same-sex marriage.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/brazil-approves-same-sex-marriage/news-story/78467594068ef5005b3180724edb6a95">The Australian</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">16. England and Wales became the first countries in the UK to pass marriage equality in 2014.Peter McGraith and David Cabreza married shortly after midnight at Islington Town Hall in one of the UK's first same-sex weddings on March 29, 2014, in London, England. <p class="copyright">Rob Stothard/Getty Images</p> <p>Northern Ireland and Scotland are semi-autonomous and have separate legislative bodies to decide many domestic issues. In 2017, a <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-40954619">judge dismissed</a> two cases on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26793127">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">17. Scotland voted overwhelmingly in favor of of legalizing same-sex marriage later in 2014.A couple are married shortly after midnight in one of the first same-sex weddings in Scotland on December 31, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland <p class="copyright">Mark Runnacles/Getty Images</p> <p>In addition to allowing same-sex couples to wed, the measure gave churches and other religious groups the option to decide whether or not they want to service same-sex marriages.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-30486804">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">18. Luxembourg overwhelmingly approved legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed and to adopt children that went into effect in 2015.Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (L) and his husband and First Gentleman Gauthier Destenay (R) celebrate with the American ambassador and his wife, July 3, 2014. <p class="copyright">US Embassy Luxembourg/Creative Commons</p> <p>The bill was spearheaded by the country's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel. Bettel married his long-time partner Gauthier Destenay a few months after the legislation passed.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gaymarriage-europe-luxembourg/in-luxembourg-gay-premier-marries-in-first-for-eu-idUSKBN0O020820150515">Reuters</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">19. Finland approved a marriage equality bill in 2014.Helsinki Pride 2007 marches through the street of Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki, Finland on June 30, 2007. <p class="copyright">Markus Koljonen/Creative Commons</p> <p>The bill started out as a public petition and was passed with 101-90 votes. </p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-finland-politics-gaymarriage-vote/finnish-parliament-confirms-same-sex-marriage-law-idUSKBN15W13K">Reuters</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">20. Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote in 2015.Thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on same-sex marriage, May 23, 2015, in Dublin, Ireland. <p class="copyright">Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images</p> <p>62% of the referendum's respondents voted "yes" to amend the Constitution of Ireland to recognize same-sex marriage. Thousands of Irish emigrants had traveled home to participate in the popular vote.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34810598">BBC News</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">21. Greenland, the world's biggest island, passed same-sex legislation in 2015.Homes are seen against the backdrop of mountains on July 28, 2013 in Nuuk, Greenland. <p class="copyright">Joe Raedle/Getty Images</p> <p>Although Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, it was not subject to Denmark's 2012 ruling on legalizing same-sex marriage.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://cphpost.dk/news/greenland-approves-gay-marriage.html">Copenhagen Post</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">22. The United States Supreme Court made marriage equality federal law in 2015.The US Supreme Court handed down a ruling regarding same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. <p class="copyright">Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images</p> <p>Same-sex marriage had been legal in 37 out of the 50 US states, plus the District of Columbia, prior to the 2015 ruling.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/28/us/same-sex-marriage-fast-facts/index.html">CNN</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide"> 23. Colombia became the fourth Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2016. AUGUST 30: Sara Fuentes, originally from Colombia holds a flag from her home country during a naturalization ceremony August 30, 2007 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida <p class="copyright">Joe Raedle/Getty Images</p> <p>Same-sex couples were already allowed to form civil partnerships before the ruling. </p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-36166888">BBC News</a></em></p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">24. In 2017, Germany became the 15th European country to allow same-sex couples to wed.German Greens Party parliamentarian Volker Beck celebrates following a vote at the nearby Bundestag which approved gay marriage in Germany on June 30, 2017, in Berlin, Germany. <p class="copyright">Sean Gallup/Getty Images</p> <p>Germany gave full marital rights to homosexual couples in a vote that Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/world/europe/germany-gay-marriage.html">New York Times</a></em></p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">25. In 2017, nearly all of Malta's parliament voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.The Grand Harbour as seen from Valletta on March 29, 2017, in Vittoriosa, Malta. <p class="copyright">Sean Gallup/Getty Images</p> <p>Despite opposition from the Catholic Church on the small Mediterranean island, marriage equality was passed by a landslide 66-1 vote.</p> <p><em>Source: <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/malta-gay-marriage-same-sex-vote-passes-approval-a7838121.html">The Independent</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">26. Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 after lawmakers enacted the will of the majority of citizens who overwhelmingly voted for the measure by postal vote.People gather in front of the State Library of Victoria on November 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. <p class="copyright">Scott Barbour/Getty Images</p> <p>Same-sex couples were officially allowed to marry beginning January 9, 2018, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/australia-legalizes-same-sex-marriage-2017-12/?r=AU&IR=T">more than a month after it was legalized</a> in the country.</p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">27. Taiwan made history on May 24, 2019, becoming the first place in Asia to pass laws on marriage equality.Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside the parliament in Taipei on May 17, 2019. <p class="copyright">SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images</p> <p>Taiwan, which considers itself an independent democracy that champions human rights issues, <a href="https://www.insider.com/taiwan-legalizes-same-sex-marriage-gay-lgbt-2019-5">passed a bill in favor of marriage equality by an overwhelming margin</a> in 2019. The bill allows full legal marriage rights for same-sex couples and also offers limited adoption rights.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">28. Ecuador's highest court approved same-sex marriage in a 5-4 ruling.Gay rights activists protest outside of the Constitutional Court, waiting for the court's decision on gay marriage, in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, June 4, 2019. <p class="copyright">AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa</p> <p>Ecuador has recognized same-sex partnerships since 2015, but the Constitutional Court officially approved same-sex marriages on June 12, 2019.</p> <p>The court instructed the government to pass legislation that will cement equal rights for all citizens who wish to marry.</p> <p><em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-48620744">Source: BBC</a></em></p> </div> <div class="slide">29. Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020.People celebrate the implementation of a bill allowing same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020, in San Jose, Costa Rica. <p class="copyright">Manuel Arnoldo Robert Batalla/Getty Images</p> <p>Costa Rica passed a bill to allow same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020. </p> <p>"May empathy and love be the compass that guides us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone," President Carlos Alvarado Quesada <a href="https://twitter.com/CarlosAlvQ/status/1265160738936631296?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote on Twitter</a> following the ruling. </p> </div> <div class="slide">30. The Swiss Parliament overwhelmingly voted to legalize same-sex marriage on December 16, 2020.Supporters kiss as they pose for a picture after the first projections following a nationwide referendum on same-sex marriage, in Swiss capital Bern on September 26, 2021. <p class="copyright">Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images</p> <p>The people of Switzerland backed up their government's decision months later when a September 2021 public referendum confirmed same-sex marriage by 64%.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">31. Chile became the 31st country to legalize same-sex marriage when the country's president signed a bill into law on December 7, 2021.A couple kisses during a rally after the bill for same-sex marriage was approved by the Chilean senate on December 7, 2021 in Santiago, Chile. <p class="copyright">Photo by Claudio Santana/Getty Images</p> <p>The country's senate and lower house had previously passed a marriage equality bill expanding access. </p> <p>Same-sex unions had been legal in the country beginning in 2015. </p> <p> </p> </div> <div class="slide">32. Slovenia became the first post-communist country to legalize same-sex marriage on October 4, 2022.People smile as they wave the rainbow flag during the Ljubljana Pride Parade in Ljubljana, on June 17, 2017. <p class="copyright">JURE MAKOVEC/AFP via Getty Images</p> <p>The Constitutional Court of Slovenia overturned a prior ban on same-sex marriages in July 2022, arguing that it violated the country's constitution. The court gave the Slovenian government six months to pass legislation to rectify it.</p> <p><em>Editor's note: This list was first published in November 2017 and has been updated to reflect recent developments</em>.</p> </div> </div> <div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-is-same-sex-marriage-legal-world-2017-11">Business Insider</a></div><!-- /wp:html -->

People demonstrate for the legalization of gay marriage and parenting on December 16, 2012 in Paris, France.

There are currently 32 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry.
The latest country to pass legislation was Slovenia, which did so on October 4, 2022.
Most countries have legalized same-sex marriage via legislation, but some were through court decisions. 
Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.

People fighting for same-sex marriage rights around the world have seen global support increase in recent years. Australia, Malta, and Germany legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, and Taiwan made history in 2019, becoming the first government in Asia to welcome legislation on marriage equality. 

Slovenia became the first post-communist country to legalize it on October 4, 2022, after the Constitutional Court of Slovenia overturned a prior ban on same-sex marriages in July, arguing that it violated the country’s constitution. The court gave the Slovenian government six months to pass legislation to rectify it. 

“With these changes, we are recognizing the rights of same-sex couples that they should have had for a long time,” State Secretary Simon Maljevac told lawmakers at the time. 

There are currently only 32 countries that allow same-sex couples to marry.

Keep scrolling to read the full list:

1. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize same-sex marriages.Revelers on a boat parade the Prinsengracht canal participating in the Amsterdam Canal Parade during Amsterdam Gay Pride on August 2, 2014 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The legislation gave same-sex couples the right to marry, divorce, and adopt children. 

Source: CBS News

2. Belgium followed suit in 2003 and granted equal rights to same-sex married couples.Wedding conducted by Lord Mayor Willy Demeyer in Leige, Belgium on July 13, 2013.

Beginning in 1998, the Belgian parliament offered limited rights to same-sex couples through registered partnerships. In 2003, the parliament legally recognized same-sex marriages.

Source: The Guardian

3. In 2005, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.Spectators watch along Yonge Street, at the annual Pride Festival parade, July 3, 2016, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

In 1999, some provincial governments extended common law marriages to gay and lesbian couples, providing them with most of the legal benefits of marriage but laws varied across the country.

Source: CBC News

4. Also in 2005, a closely divided Spanish parliament agreed to do the same.A reveler dressed with a gay pride flag walks the streets next to Cibeles Square before the Pride Parade during the Madrid Gay Pride Festival on June 29, 2016, in Madrid, Spain.

The law guaranteed identical rights to all married couples regardless of sexual orientation.

Source: New York Times

5. After South Africa’s highest court ruled the country’s marriage laws violated the constitution’s guarantee of equal rights, parliament legalized same-sex marriage in 2006.Lesbian Angels march at the Gay Pride in Johannesburg, South Africa, October 7, 2006.

Exemptions were also included in the new marriage law. Both religious institutions and civil officers could refuse to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Source: NBC News

6. In 1993 Norway allowed gay couples to enter civil unions, but it took until 2008 for a Norway to pass a gender-neutral marriage law.A fjord in Norway, with the Norwegian flag in the foreground, October 14 206.

In January 2009, the bill was enacted into law, and gay couples were legally granted the right to marry, adopt children and receive artificial insemination.

Source: NBC News

7. In 2009, Sweden voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.A pride flag waves on Saint James Church in Stockholm, Sweden, December 26, 2010.

The bill passed with 261 votes in favor, 22 votes against and had 16 abstentions.

Source: BBC News

8. Iceland’s parliament voted unanimously to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010.LGBT pride march in Reykjavik, Iceland, in August 2004.

Iceland’s then-Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir married her longtime partner Jonina Leosdottir as the law came into effect.

Source: The Telegraph

9. Portugal has also allowed same-sex marriage since 2010, after legislation was originally challenged by the country’s president.A woman carries a flag during the LGBT march in Lisbon, Portugal, June 18, 2016.

Portugal had passed a measure legalizing same-sex marriage in February of 2010, but Portugal’s former president, Anibal Cavaco Silva, asked the Constitutional Court to review the measure. In April 2010, the Constitutional Court declared the law to be constitutionally valid.

Source: The Guardian

10. In 2010, Argentina became the first Latin American country to allow same-sex marriage.LGBT Pride Marcha del Orgullo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on November 7, 2009.

Prior to the same-sex marriage law, a number of local jurisdictions, including the nation’s capital, Buenos Aires, had enacted laws allowing gays and lesbians to enter into civil unions.

Source: The Guardian

11. Denmark’s legalization came in 2012 after Queen Margrethe II gave her royal assent to the proposed legislation.The Danish National Association of Gays & Lesbians at Copenhagen’s LGBT Pride March in 2009.

Denmark was the first country to allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners in 1989.

Source: BBC News

12. Uruguay passed legislation allowing same-sex marriage in 2013.Uruguay fans celebrate as Uruguay scores their first goal against England as seen on the screen set up at Word Cup FIFA Fan Fest on Copacabana beach June 19, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Civil unions have been permitted in Uruguay since 2008, and in 2009 gay and lesbian couples were given adoption rights.

Source: BBC News

13. In 2013, New Zealand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific to legislate for same-sex marriage.Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler walk down the aisle after being married at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, on August 19, 2013, in Wellington, New Zealand.

The law won approval by a 77-44 margin in the country’s legislature, which included support from former Prime Minister John Key.

Source: SBS News

14. President Francois Hollande signed a measure legalizing marriage equality in France in 2013.People demonstrate for the legalization of gay marriage on December 16, 2012, in Paris, France.

Hollande’s signature had to wait until a court challenge brought by the conservative opposition party, the UMP, was resolved. France’s highest court, the Constitutional Council, ruled that the bill was constitutional.

Source: The Guardian

15. Brazil’s National Council of Justice ruled that same-sex couples should not be denied marriage licenses in 2013, allowing same-sex marriages to begin across the country.Drag queens Sara and Nina perform during an LGBT protest held inside the city council on May 16, 2017, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Prior to the law, only some of Brazil’s 27 jurisdictions had allowed same-sex marriage.

Source: The Australian

16. England and Wales became the first countries in the UK to pass marriage equality in 2014.Peter McGraith and David Cabreza married shortly after midnight at Islington Town Hall in one of the UK’s first same-sex weddings on March 29, 2014, in London, England.

Northern Ireland and Scotland are semi-autonomous and have separate legislative bodies to decide many domestic issues. In 2017, a judge dismissed two cases on same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.

Source: BBC News

17. Scotland voted overwhelmingly in favor of of legalizing same-sex marriage later in 2014.A couple are married shortly after midnight in one of the first same-sex weddings in Scotland on December 31, 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland

In addition to allowing same-sex couples to wed, the measure gave churches and other religious groups the option to decide whether or not they want to service same-sex marriages.

Source: BBC News

18. Luxembourg overwhelmingly approved legislation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed and to adopt children that went into effect in 2015.Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel (L) and his husband and First Gentleman Gauthier Destenay (R) celebrate with the American ambassador and his wife, July 3, 2014.

The bill was spearheaded by the country’s Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel. Bettel married his long-time partner Gauthier Destenay a few months after the legislation passed.

Source: Reuters

19. Finland approved a marriage equality bill in 2014.Helsinki Pride 2007 marches through the street of Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki, Finland on June 30, 2007.

The bill started out as a public petition and was passed with 101-90 votes. 

Source: Reuters

20. Ireland became the first country to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote in 2015.Thousands gather in Dublin Castle square awaiting the referendum vote outcome on same-sex marriage, May 23, 2015, in Dublin, Ireland.

62% of the referendum’s respondents voted “yes” to amend the Constitution of Ireland to recognize same-sex marriage. Thousands of Irish emigrants had traveled home to participate in the popular vote.

Source: BBC News

21. Greenland, the world’s biggest island, passed same-sex legislation in 2015.Homes are seen against the backdrop of mountains on July 28, 2013 in Nuuk, Greenland.

Although Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, it was not subject to Denmark’s 2012 ruling on legalizing same-sex marriage.

Source: Copenhagen Post

22. The United States Supreme Court made marriage equality federal law in 2015.The US Supreme Court handed down a ruling regarding same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015, outside the Supreme Court in Washington, DC.

Same-sex marriage had been legal in 37 out of the 50 US states, plus the District of Columbia, prior to the 2015 ruling.

Source: CNN

23. Colombia became the fourth Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2016. AUGUST 30: Sara Fuentes, originally from Colombia holds a flag from her home country during a naturalization ceremony August 30, 2007 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Same-sex couples were already allowed to form civil partnerships before the ruling. 

Source: BBC News

 

24. In 2017, Germany became the 15th European country to allow same-sex couples to wed.German Greens Party parliamentarian Volker Beck celebrates following a vote at the nearby Bundestag which approved gay marriage in Germany on June 30, 2017, in Berlin, Germany.

Germany gave full marital rights to homosexual couples in a vote that Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against.

Source: New York Times

 

25. In 2017, nearly all of Malta’s parliament voted in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage.The Grand Harbour as seen from Valletta on March 29, 2017, in Vittoriosa, Malta.

Despite opposition from the Catholic Church on the small Mediterranean island, marriage equality was passed by a landslide 66-1 vote.

Source: The Independent

26. Australia legalized same-sex marriage in 2017 after lawmakers enacted the will of the majority of citizens who overwhelmingly voted for the measure by postal vote.People gather in front of the State Library of Victoria on November 15, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia.

Same-sex couples were officially allowed to marry beginning January 9, 2018, more than a month after it was legalized in the country.

 

27. Taiwan made history on May 24, 2019, becoming the first place in Asia to pass laws on marriage equality.Supporters of same-sex marriage celebrate outside the parliament in Taipei on May 17, 2019.

Taiwan, which considers itself an independent democracy that champions human rights issues, passed a bill in favor of marriage equality by an overwhelming margin in 2019. The bill allows full legal marriage rights for same-sex couples and also offers limited adoption rights.

 

 

28. Ecuador’s highest court approved same-sex marriage in a 5-4 ruling.Gay rights activists protest outside of the Constitutional Court, waiting for the court’s decision on gay marriage, in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

Ecuador has recognized same-sex partnerships since 2015, but the Constitutional Court officially approved same-sex marriages on June 12, 2019.

The court instructed the government to pass legislation that will cement equal rights for all citizens who wish to marry.

Source: BBC

29. Costa Rica became the first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020.People celebrate the implementation of a bill allowing same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020, in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica passed a bill to allow same-sex marriage on May 26, 2020. 

“May empathy and love be the compass that guides us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone,” President Carlos Alvarado Quesada wrote on Twitter following the ruling. 

30. The Swiss Parliament overwhelmingly voted to legalize same-sex marriage on December 16, 2020.Supporters kiss as they pose for a picture after the first projections following a nationwide referendum on same-sex marriage, in Swiss capital Bern on September 26, 2021.

The people of Switzerland backed up their government’s decision months later when a September 2021 public referendum confirmed same-sex marriage by 64%.

 

 

31. Chile became the 31st country to legalize same-sex marriage when the country’s president signed a bill into law on December 7, 2021.A couple kisses during a rally after the bill for same-sex marriage was approved by the Chilean senate on December 7, 2021 in Santiago, Chile.

The country’s senate and lower house had previously passed a marriage equality bill expanding access. 

Same-sex unions had been legal in the country beginning in 2015. 

 

32. Slovenia became the first post-communist country to legalize same-sex marriage on October 4, 2022.People smile as they wave the rainbow flag during the Ljubljana Pride Parade in Ljubljana, on June 17, 2017.

The Constitutional Court of Slovenia overturned a prior ban on same-sex marriages in July 2022, arguing that it violated the country’s constitution. The court gave the Slovenian government six months to pass legislation to rectify it.

Editor’s note: This list was first published in November 2017 and has been updated to reflect recent developments.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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